A model wears a creation by Adrian Hailwood on day one of New Zealand Fashion Week 2010. Photo / Getty Images
The prize for the day's best denim, goes to Hailwood's patch-pocket flares.
An American staple surely, like the tale of aspiring Hollywood actresses his Going Platinum collection referenced. The brassy, made-up glamour of what he calls "do they, don't they make it girls" in clothes seeking more than a little
attention.
Strapless dresses, cigarette pants, giant bow tops and Mongolian lamb fleece jackets. Scalloped overskirts, hitched high at the back and chunky cable knit jackets.
The saturated "off" colours of olive velvet threaded with gold lurex, bronzy browns and acid yellow Dupion silk added a richness.
Dots started small on a batwing devore velvet dress before appearing spotlight-sized in black wool.
Hailwood said these giant flower-like discs had been backed in felt to make them stand out from the body. Such experimentation is welcome and was seen also in an oilskin cape in greenish-black hues.
