Street style at New Zealand Fashion Week

A golden rule of any fashion week is that you wear the designs of whatever brand’s show you are going to see.

It's no surprise that florals and lots of black were about when the fashion pack arrived at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront on night two to see designs from Juliette Hogan, known for her beautiful florals and quiet sophistication.

New Zealand label Harris Tapper drew a mass of high-waisted black wide-legged pants, the occasional pop of a cream bubble top, and sheer lace dresses and tops. Harris Tapper focuses on a minimalist colour palette and sleek tailoring.

Day two felt like we were getting down to the business of fashion following a celebration the night before with an extensive presentation - there were 63 looks - from the archives of dozens of New Zealand designers going back decades. Oscar-winner and director Taika Waititi surprised on the open-air catwalk under the clear, starry sky. It was a triumphant return for Fashion Week following the event’s on-again-off-again existence in the last five years.

Instead of fashion week shows presenting collections to buyers and fashion editors six months ahead of season, brands are showcasing what is already in stores. So, the biggest surprise lies in what those sitting in the seats will wear.

Pip Edwards, creative director of Ksubi and co-founder of P.E. Nation

​Wearing? Harris Tapper top and brassiere, Ksubi leather pants, and The Mannei coat.

​How do you decide what to wear? I have a terrible process that usually involves several meltdowns... I plan something, and then I never wear it.

Emma Boyd, New Zealand Fashion Week online presenter

Wearing? Harris Tapper everything.

How do you decide what to wear? I feel like I have to decide what I’m doing first, knowing if I can wear heels or flats, and if I’m going to be doing lots of stairs.

Emma Gleason, freelance fashion writer and Crust newsletter founder

Wearing? skirt from Glory, vintage suede jacket from Pendleton, and Laura Ashley loafers.

​What’s in your bag? media passes, notebook, power banks, gum, and eyedrops.

​How do you decide what to wear? I don’t plan anything. Just wing it. I’m trying to wear local designers or local vintage.

Angus McDougall, fashion and beauty editor at YOUR EX

Wearing? silk shirt and high-waisted satin pants from SALT MURPHY. Boots from Mi Piaci.

Last thing you bought? black SALT MURPHY coat with wide shoulders and a cinched waist.

What’s in your handbag? lip gloss, phone charging bank and cables, selfie light, perfume, lots of vapes.

Jungwon Jo, content creator

​Wearing? Juliette Hogan dress, scarf from Artifact, and COS necklace.

​What’s in your handbag? traveling light with facial mist from Raaie, lipstick, hotel door card, and a phone.

​How do you decide what to wear? I usually stick to black and white and then whatever is comfortable.

Jeanine Clarkin, founder of a Māori street style brand

​Wearing? pre-loved skirt and top, self-made long wool vest made from dead stock fabric.

​Last thing you bought? $13 red blazer from an op-shop.

​How do you decide what to wear? I’ve been wearing this wool vest for the last two weeks, with different clothes underneath. I only wear two pairs of shoes, either boots or these sneakers.

Brooklyn Ellis, content creator

Wearing? Ruby blazer, Dissh pants, R.M. Williams boots, and self-made belt.

How do you decide what to wear? I wanted to dress in what was already in my wardrobe... I plan days in advance.

Sophie De Renzy, digital creator at Fashion Quarterly

Wearing? Juliette Hogan blazer, Camilla Marc dress, and Bared Footwear.

Last thing you bought: Yu Mei bag on sale for $400.

Sammy Salsa, stylist

Wearing: everything Kowtow.

How do you decide what to wear? For me, it's a feeling, intuition. You just know if it's a hit or miss.

Debbie Simpson, a guest of an event sponsor

Wearing: Carla Zampatti coat with a vintage handbag.

How do you decide what to wear? I usually start the day in workout gear and then it's normal black, black and silver [jewellery].

Henry Hewart, fashion PR at Someday Studio

Wearing: Harris Tapper top and pants with Jasmine Sparrow pearls.

What’s in your pockets? Second set of pearls, chewing gum, car keys, and phone.

Anna Bared, owner of Bared footwear (right) and Ally Deacon, PR at Bared Footwear (left)

Anna is wearing: Pucci jacket, Nili Lotan Jeans, and Bared Footwear.

Ally is wearing: Vintage Fendi handbag, a pretzel necklace from Lucy Folk, jacket from Insight.