Dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet take part in designer Andrea Moore's show at NZ Fashion Week
The first full day of New Zealand Fashion Week 2017 saw designers push the boundaries to present their clothes in less than predictable ways.
Designer Rachel Mills started the day with a 'live installation' on site at the Auckland Viaduct Events Centre, which saw media, buyers and clients having towalk between stationary models wearing pieces from her Autumn/Winter 2018 collection, as opposed to sitting comfortably front row.
Always full of surprises, the New Generation group show this year was true to form as it showed off the fresh talent of four budding designers. Geoj Official kicked off the show with flouncy flamenco-style dresses in black polka dots, followed by Luke Dawson, who accessorised his cheeky, cartoon-laden streetwear with skateboards. The sheer black organza, swishy pleats and forest green velvet pieces by Pania Greenaway offered up a darkly feminine mood. Not For You rounded out the show with utilitarian menswear pieces layered over slouchy hoodies - models holding cardboard signs featuring scrawled statistics on the state of homelessness in NZ.
It was the eight dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet who really brought an elegant new energy to runway, however, in a dynamic collaboration with designer Andrea Moore. Dancer Shaun James Kelly choreographed a routine to launch Moore's new fitness and swimwear range. The dancers - who are all performing tonight in Romeo and Juliet - enjoyed the novelty of being made up. Marie Varlet said: "Usually we just get ready by ourselves". The hair, created by Sara Allsop of Dharma, was a back plait into a take on a ballerina bun with crystals clipped in.
Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers showcase designs by Andrea Moore. Photo / Getty Images
Adrian Hailwood, who always attracts a glamorous front row, didn't disappoint with a sophisticated 70s vibe. And the day wrapped when Salasai took their show off-site to the Hilton hotel. The collection was inspired by "turmoil and change", explained designer Kirscha Witcher.
For up-to-the-minute Fashion Week access you won't get anywhere else, go to Viva.co.nz/NZFW
Highlights for today
• The K'Road Presents show which celebrates the inner-city suburb's creatives The always-sassy, always fun Kathryn Wilson show
• The highly anticipated show of designer-on-the rise Wynn Hamblyn
