Air New Zealand Fashion Week

A model showcases designs on the catwalk by World on the first day of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 at Viaduct Harbour Marine Village on September 16, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac) The model above wears an ensemble delightfully reminiscent of Karl Lagerfeld (the neck brooch) and Michael and Janet Jackson (the red tracksuit; the hat).  The purse is a bit too Charo for my tastes.  The team responsible for his outfit, New Zealand fashion label World, bears the tagline "We fought fashion--and lost" on its website.  Well, at least they're willing to admit it!  And they ... Read Full Story

A model showcases designs on the catwalk by Sera Lily as part of the Contemporary Salon Show on the first day of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 at Viaduct Harbour Marine Village on September 16, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Tim Hales/Getty Images AsiaPac) Sera Lilly's Winter Collection at the Air New Zealand Fashion Week was full of cute, flirty dresses with frilly hems.  These are absolutely exquisite party dresses in deep jewel tones--very hot this season. A model showcases designs on the catwalk by Sera Lily as part of the Contemporary Salon Show on the first day of Air New ... Read Full Story

A model showcases designs on the catwalk by Trelise Cooper on the second day of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 at Viaduct Harbour Marine Village on September 17, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac) New Zealand's Trelise Cooper's showcase at the Air New Zealand Fashion Week was alternately thrilling and disappointing.  Many of Cooper's vintage-inspired pieces, like the babydoll dress above, were soft and wearable. Cooper also improved on ubiquitous trends like the high-waisted skirt with unique and eye-catching fabrics. Cooper also showed sheaths in delicate Japanese prints. Other pieces proved more daring.  Cooper's take on high-waisted pants, ... Read Full Story

A model showcases designs on the catwalk by Stitch Ministry as part of the Contemporary Salon Show on the first day of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 at Viaduct Harbour Marine Village on September 16, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Tim Hales/Getty Images AsiaPac) The Stitch Ministry designs at NZ Fashion Week were, for the most part, stunning.  Each piece was obviously made with a keen eye for fabric and texture, with a lot of drapey thin-woven wools and tailored velvets. Classic suits like the one below were tasseled and fringed for added flair. If only the models' hands didn't look ... Read Full Story

A model showcases designs on the catwalk by Alexandra Owen on the second day of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 at Viaduct Harbour Marine Village on September 17, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Tim Hales/Getty Images AsiaPac) Like many others, when I'm destroyed by a serious cold, I beach myself in front of the TV with a box full of tissues and don't move for hours.  When I eventually feel well enough to pad into the bathroom for a shower or to fix myself some soup, I realize with great disgust that I've left a litter of wadded up tissues in ... Read Full Story

A model showcases designs on the catwalk by Chelsea Thorpe during the Contemporary Salon Show on the second day of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 at Viaduct Harbour Marine Village on September 17, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)  Chelsea Thorpe's Fall Winter collection at Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2009 was ultrasexy, thanks in large part to the designer's eschewal of high-waisted pants, which are all over the runways elsewhere.   The suits at Chelsea Thorpe offered crisp, boyish lines, like the mock-tuxedo below. The coats and dresses, too, were glamazon sexy.  These were my favorites, although I ... Read Full Story

A model decides to take a break while showcasing designs on the catwalk by Trelise Cooper Kids on the fourth day of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 at Viaduct Harbour Marine Village on September 19, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac) It's usually funny to see models who've faceplanted, but for some reason, I really feel for this fallen beauty.  She was clearly too terrified to cry*.  Good thing the Child Model Fairy came and helped her too her feet. Poor cutie.  At least she was wearing a sparkly red ballgown when she hit the floor. The flouncy ... Read Full Story