Tell the World: New Zealand Fashion Week Deserves More Attention

While we're all getting excited about fashion month unfolding across Europe, the UK and the US this September, let's not forget about the shows a little closer to home. New Zealand Fashion Week played out in Auckland last week and honestly, it deserves more attention. The country may be small, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to fashion. With a relatively small market (when compared to say, Paris), New Zealand Fashion Week puts a spotlight on the next generation of young designers; the up-and-comers who aren't afraid to try something different or a little quirky.

From runway diversity, glitzy fashion parties, epic beauty looks and must-have summer pieces, there were so many reasons to love New Zealand Fashion Week. Below, INF / Network member and NZFW correspondent Chloe Hill shares the top ten moments that got her excited about the upcoming season. Read on, and you might just discover your new favourite designer.

Related: This New Zealand Designer Creates the Suits Your Wardrobe Needs

Kicking off with a high school choir singing a melodic rendition of Rihanna’s Diamonds, Twenty Seven Names' show was a serious tear-jerker! The Wellington design duo cast an amazing array of girls including a variety of body shapes and ages, proving fashion should be for everyone. Go, girls!

New Zealand’s fashion darling Georgia Alice held an intimate dinner on Wednesday night. With all of Auckland’s coolest girls in attendance, I was served with so much party-dressing inspiration. It features metallic and acid-wash dresses and, of course, her signature sharp suiting.

If my Instagram DMs are anything to go by, everyone loved Wynn Hamlyn’s Italian made yin yan sweaters. He’ll be rolling them out in cream, baby blue and khaki. I got to take one for a test run and can attest to their wearability and all round cuteness. Nailed it, Wynn!

A newbie on the New Zealand fashion scene, Georgia Jay's Auckland-made bags are set to be next season's cult accessory. I’m putting my name down for the mini orange ‘ombra’ shoulder bag stat.

This show featured an amazing lineup of new talent. The handpicked group of graduate designers included a bunch of gingham and summery dresses from Caitlin Crisp, which are sure to make many an appearance on Instagram given the ooh's and aah's from bloggers sitting in the front row.

With a focus on effortless pieces which can be worn multiple ways, Rachel Mills’ beautiful approach to how women dress seemed thoughtful and practical. Plus, she uses ethically-sourced fabrics and designer off-cuts, meaning it’s kind to the Earth, too.

Another relatively new name on the scene, Hej Hej, showcased their capsule of effortless linen dresses, jumpsuits and separates on a yacht on Auckland’s harbour. After a morning of torrential rain the sun shone through just in time for us to board the boat for a chill afternoon on the water.

Another shout out to Twenty Seven Names since they had the beauty look of the week! Models were fresh-faced with glowing skin with a stroke of hot pink across their eye lids. M.A.C Cosmetics’ senior makeup artist Kiekie Stanners mixed a few products to create the look, but recommend trying their MAC Bright Pink Eye Shadow with an angled brush to get a similar look with way less effort. Running to the store now!

If there’s one piece you buy this summer make it a gingham maxi dress. Available in navy and pastel pink, the lightweight style from Penny Sage is top of my wish list, plus designer Kate Megaw has made scrunchies to match. Is that cute or what!?

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