Fashion: High octane glamour

Photos / Greg Bowker

Get ready for high-octane glamour this season.

Head-to-toe glamour is a somewhat foreign concept for many New Zealanders, who prefer a tidy-casual approach to special occasion dressing. However, when the invitation to dress-to-impress beckons, several local designers who understand the power of dressing "up" provide some exceptional options to choose from.

Specialty boutique Modes has summer festivities covered, with a wide variety of dresses ranging from cocktail, race-day and mother of the bride to attire for bridesmaids, black tie events and graduation balls.

The elegant Mr. K gown (#1) provides the right balance of drama with its black floor-length skirt and a gold embellished top. It's a nod to the Latina razzle-dazzle that's been making a statement on international runways, most notably at Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino.

Classic glamour needn't be restricted to frocks. Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking tuxedo broke barriers when it debuted in 1966, empowering women in the process and influencing a slew of designers ever since.

Who better to revive that rebellious spirit than our very own pop export, Lorde, who wore a black tuxedo by Schiaparelli Couture to the world premier of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. In a sea of seen-it-before floor-length gowns on the red carpet, the singer continues to inspire wardrobe choices while retaining her unique image.

On the local scene, Tanya Carlson's impeccable tailoring finds its way into the current season, with the "Paradise blazer" and "Beach pant" in a dark navy (#3). Working well with classic pumps and discreet jewellery, it's a look that eliminates the need for superfluous accessories.

For the men, a well-cut suit is non-negotiable and if you're going to dress up, this is no time to be bashful. The bespoke tailoring offered at Crane Brothers is an excellent place to begin, particularly the blood-red Scabal velvet "Remington jacket" (#4). Double-breasted and with contrasting black lapels, it's a standout piece that will make you feel like a million bucks.

Photos / Greg Bowker

1 Mr. K gown, $498 from Modes. Topshop heels, $220, from The Department Store. BCBGMAXAZRIA floral stud earrings, $79.

2 Brad wears Crane Brothers Scabal velvet jacket, $2095, shirt $395, trousers, $395 and self-tie bow tie, $69. Joseph Cheany & Sons loafers, $895 from Crane Brothers.

3 Carlson jacket, $649, and pants, $329. Silence Was lace bra, $49. BCBGMAXAZRIA jewelled spike drop earrings, $79. Heels, $199.90, from Witchery.

4 Ella wears Trelise Cooper cowl neck dress, $549. Siren heels, $139.90, from Wild Pair. Karen Walker floral clip on earrings, $60. Brad wears Crane Brothers jacket, $1995, shirt, $395, trousers, $395 and self-tie bow tie, $69. Joseph Cheany & Sons loafers, $895 from Crane Brothers.

5 Liz Mitchell Spanish ruffle cape (worn as halter top), $1500. Camilla & Marc pencil skirt, $229. Mimco gold mesh clutch, $199. Versace studded sunglasses, $600, from Sunglass Hut. Kathryn Wilson striped heels, $289.

Stockists

• Crane Brothers (09) 377 5333
• Camilla & Marc
• Carlson (09) 361 2137
• Glamour Boutique
• Karen Walker
• Kathryn Wilson
• Liz Mitchell (09) 360 5047
• Mimco
• Mi Piaci
• Modes (09) 520 2730
• Silence Was
• Sunglass Hut 0800 607 895
• The Department Store
• Trelise Cooper
• Wild Pair
• Witchery (09) 523 1335