NZ Fashion Week 2023: What The Viva Team Is Wearing

Jan 19, 2024

Velvet scarves, skirts covered in amber-resin beads and other spectacular treasures.

New Zealand Fashion Week is back, and so is our survey of personal style. There are old things and new things, a plethora of locally designed clothes, and outfits that lay the groundwork for how we dress today — and tonight.

Here, discover what we’re wearing as we report on the vast landscape of what we wear and why we wear it, and the people who create and inspire us. We’ll be updating the below daily.

A strong start to the day as the Viva team was enamoured by the level of talent and creativity at the Viva Next Gen show, followed by a medley of bright and brilliant Māori names at the Miromoda showcase.

Creative and fashion director

I’ve pulled together this Canadian tux with the help of some of my favourite classics: loafers and a blazer. Today I’m wearing a denim shirt and jeans from Manaaki, Zambesi blazer, a western belt from Crane Brothers, Church’s loafers, and Prada sunglasses.

Beauty editor

I think this is probably my favourite Fashion Week ‘fit so far, the Morning Shirt and Irving Trouser from Harris Tapper. It strikes the balance between looking perfectly presentable whilst also being incredibly slouchy and comfortable. I kept things tonal with a pair of sock boots from Zara, and wore my go-to Rosie earrings from PĀMU to polish things off.

Contributing editor

I have worn this Paris Georgia jacket nearly every day since I bought it; it’s perfectly oversized and looks slightly Matrix-y, which I’m into. I’m also wearing one of Rachel Mills’ trusty merino layers — today the Geraldine bralette — a pair of Agolde jeans and Hermès clogs, which are incredibly comfortable but comically loud to walk in.

Today I am wearing this Harris Tapper baroque-style corset dress in a lush wool herringbone fabric. I love the preppy style of this piece, elevated with its defined bodice shape. Underneath, I’m wearing my new favourite layering piece by one of our Viva Next Gen designers, Oosterom. My belt is made by Patters Store, who source vintage and second-hand beads to work into these one-of-a-kind handmade (in Pōneke) belts. Shoes are Tony Bianco and the earrings are a Tuesday outfit repeat designed and handmade in Muriwai by Joss Hong.

Senior writer

Fashion is not my natural home. But the joy of working with the Viva team is you get applause for trying. So, today, an actual, proper label — a cocoon of Lost and Led Astray which makes me feel swirly and strong. Old jeans from TS. Old shoes (that I wish I’d looked after better) from Clarks. And gorgeous earrings by Mandy Flood — a Christmas present from a thoughtful husband who saw me coveting them in Fingers.

Digital editor

Librarian chic! Today’s outfit is simple and flowy and bookshop appropriate, a lovely secondhand skirt by Chloe, purchased from The RealReal, and a sleeveless white blouse with embroidered florals from Doen. The shoes (Adidas Sambas, footwear’s eternal conquerors) can be seen on me, and basically everyone.

Commercial editor

Today I’ve paired a vintage Kate Sylvester top from the autumn/winter 08 Art Groupie collection (her 30th anniversary show is today) with a top from emerging NZ designer Skinny, which reads “sex doesn’t sell, voyeurism does”; I like to think the two garments are in conversation with each other. My pants are vintage, from Search and Destroy on Ponsonby Rd, and so is my jacket — made-in-New-Zealand Adidas from the 1980s! — which I got from the Christchurch City Mission op shop. My Mary Jane shoes are by iconic, now-shuttered local brand Minnie Cooper (RIP) and my sweet blue bag is by Georgia Jay, locally made too. Not visible, but also special, is my bra — made locally by Ingrid Starnes.

Deputy editor

Today I’m wearing the Harris Tapper Tuxedo Coat in Cedar and the matching trousers. The coat is a lightweight wool blend so it’s great for layering. I’m wearing it with a Margaret Howell knit I bought in London many years ago, some Stepney Workers Clubs sneakers from Good as Gold and some Celine sunglasses.

Videographer

I’m wearing a vintage dress made in NZ that my friend gave me, a slouchy DKNY jacket I copped at a thrift store in NY, old Céline sunglasses and very well-loved 1999 Prada Sport boots (with Uniqlo socks because they’re the best).

Photographer

The Graduate Show saw experimentation abound, dancers donned green suiting at Susana Tasi, and mini models sparkled on the runway at Samantha Zhang.

Multimedia journalist

My ensemble is mostly a mishmash of thrifted and secondhand pieces today, collected over many years of op-shop rifling. My boots are from a pop-up by local brand Remnants, tights are comfy and high-quality classics from Farmers, the skirt is a very recent purchase, secondhand Thom Browne from Ponsonby’s Moral Fibre, jacket is from Cue (and stolen from my mum’s wardrobe) and vest is a $4 Savemart steal. I love it when an outfit comes together after years in the making.

Creative and fashion director

I saw this Wynn Hamlyn jumper stalk down the racing car rink/runway in May during Australian Fashion Week and thought it was fun. Out later in the year, it’s perfect for cool spring days like today. Matched with a very cool elasticated pair of trousers from Harris Tapper. My beaded necklace is by one of my favourite local makers, Zora Bell Boyd Jewellery.

Commercial editor

Today I’m wearing two special Karen Walker pieces that I bought years and years ago in a sample sale. This bodysuit (complete with boning) and shorts are both from her 2007 range, Victory Garden, which was shown at New York Fashion Week — Walker’s debut in the Big Apple, after four years showing in London — and one of my favourite collections of hers. The jacket is a vintage jockey silk, bought secondhand, and the label, ‘George Court’s, Karangahape Rd, made in N.Z’ makes it a piece of local manufacturing history. The boots are also from Karangahape Rd, the sensational Auckland City Mission op shop to be precise, and the belt is from Lapco around the corner, a great local leather company.

Editor

Today I’ve opted for cropped Levi’s ribcage jeans which have a flattering wide leg, pleats at the waist and come in this smart dark denim. I’ve teamed them with a contrasting business-like crisp white shirt by Harris Tapper and pulled the look together with a black wool Juliette Hogan coat that cinches in the waist with a matching belt. Along with my trusty black Sebago loafers, these are all classic pieces I wear again and again.

Fashion assistant

Today’s ensemble is a custom-made dress by my friend and local designer Jojo Ross. I adore the ruched detailing in the middle and the soft, ribbed fabric makes it so comfortable and easy to wear whilst dashing from show to show. The sweetest human alive, Yawynne Yem, sent me this stunning floral necktie piece which is a symbol of our blossoming fashion friendship. In keeping with the fancy-yet-easy-wearing outfit, my shoes from Scarpa are just that, like cushioned sandals but high! Tying the look together is my latest investment, my trusty and beautiful Georgia Jay bag.

Beauty editor

When it comes to dressing women, Ruby just gets it, which is why I’ve gone full Rubette today and am wearing it top to toe. I’ve paired the Rue blazer, a slouchy, single-breasted style (which I’m predicting will quickly become a wardrobe staple) with the matching Rue trousers in the same Camel shade. Up top, I’m wearing the Ariel bustier (also from Ruby), my new WRPD Runners from New Balance, and the Rosie pearl drop earrings from PĀMU.

Digital editor

Today’s sartorial memo: Comfortable and little bit moody. My almost all-black ensemble (a Maggie Marilyn cardigan I wear endlessly, a secondhand silky camisole and a pleated Doen skirt) gets a moment of respite thanks to a pair of red velvet Mary Janes from Vibi Venezia. They’re cute, dainty and somehow go with everything.

Deputy editor

I’ve based today’s outfit on these Climbing Pants from Checks which are made from soft-yet-structured cotton with orange contrast stitching and a built-in webbing belt. These belong to my very cool mum and if she’s reading this, hi, you might not get these back. I’ve paired them with a Velvet white tee, Samsoe Samsoe jacket, Robert Clegerie green suede heels and Isle of Eden sunglasses.

Photographer

I am wearing an incredibly functional outfit today. Jeans by NZ designer Thom Morrison. Steel Cap Ariat boots — I did have to cut some trees down this morning, so the ease of wearing the boots was there, I almost wore the chaps but they didn’t fit the denim brief. An L-train vintage-special under jacket, and blue 47 Mets cap I bought last year, both in NYC. Old oversized Mr Simple coat given to me by legend Cubby Jenkins. Lastly, a Rolex Datejust gifted by my wife for our 10-year anniversary last year.

Senior writer

Today’s outfit, brought to you by a midnight finish and a 6am start — I shadowed a model for a day and you’d think I’d have picked up some posing tips, but here I am. Sneakers with an orthotic support (the brand has long worn off), Mela Purdie pants that don’t crease no matter how many times I sit down and a top from a label called Chalet that I bought at Magazine a few years back and packed away for Covid and only recently rediscovered. My Aotearoa-fashion connections are much stronger in the jewellery department. Wedding ring by Jane Dodd. Earrings by Ursula Grube. Bracelet by Ann Culy. Locally made pieces that feel like I’m wearing a secret — this is craft and art in its most practical expression.

Kiri Nathan and Campbell Luke tugged on our heartstrings with presentations that balanced spectacle and care, and Rory Docherty sent down an elegant sea of monochrome. Watch our recap of day one, with our fantastic revoing reporter Emma Gleason, here.

Commercial editor

I’m wearing all New Zealand fashion this week, and it’s a privilege to do so. This looks is from the Zambesi archives, literal treasures and pieces of material history. The velvet skirt and scarf — in a very fetching shade of “carnation” pink — are from the brand’s autumn/winter 2006 collection, which was presented at an iconic runway show at the Saint James theatre during NZFW 2005, during which local band Pluto played while models walked; the Zambesi shirt is from the mid-1990s. I matched all this pink with my Le Van Dan bag, and I’m also wearing Bass loafers and Auor sunglasses, both secondhand.

Digital editor

Fashion Week is wildly busy, so I’m cosetting myself in a sweetheart Paris Georgia top, a blue mohair number that’s its own kind of figure-hugging cocoon. My skirt is Wixii, a lovely chocolate midi length I purchased last year, and my coat is an airy, boxy trench from Swedish brand Toteme. I loved the recent nautilus-filled collection from jewellery designer Sophie Buhai and picked up this little sterling silver necklace. My stomping knee-highs are Maggie Marilyn.

Deputy editor

I’m wearing the Dune skirt and matching long-sleeve top from local label Jojo Ross’ latest collection. It’s made from Italian Plissé which has a beautiful texture and weight to it, and is so comfortable too. The colour is ‘Chilled Red’ and it’s a nice departure from black for me. I’ve paired it with a bag in a similar hue from Yu Mei, some Junya Watanabe x Comme des Garcons heels from Scotties, some Monarch x Kowtow earrings and Zimmermann sunnies.

Beauty editor

A simple formula I love to follow is a trench coat teamed with wide-legged pants and sneakers, which made easy work of getting dressed this morning. I adore this checkered trench by Caitlin Crisp for its puffy sleeves and wide lapel, not to mention its ability to make any outfit feel a bit more ‘done’. I layered this with Calvin Shirt from Ruby and the Sailor jeans from Kowtow, which nip me in at the waist (nice and high, just how I like it) and sit just on my ankle, meaning I could spotlight my Adidas Sambas without sending an SOS call to my seamstress (aka my Nana).

Fashion assistant

Green is the colour of spring and I just couldn’t resist this stunning jacket from one of my favourite small New Zealand brands, Pecchenino. My love for a long skirt hasn’t gone astray here either — Rory William Docherty (whose show was the first I attended today) is the designer and marries structure and ease so well. A wee heel from trusty brand Zara and tights from Farmers that I tracked down in a last-minute dash to Westfield Newmarket at the eleventh hour. I’m also wearing a special pair of earrings made by a close family friend Joss Hong, and a necklace I made myself.

Editor

I’m wearing some beautiful pieces from Harris Tapper’s new collection, including the Beaded Holly satin skirt, which is so slinky and comfortable, and covered in amber resin beads. The oversized Maurice blazer is inspired by men’s tailoring and has sharp angles and a polished feel. I love this Gibson T-shirt in grey brushed cotton, which is super soft, with slightly exaggerated sleeves. My shoes are my trusty Sebago loafers which I’ll be wearing all week. And my sunglasses are Persol.

Creative and fashion director

Today I’m wearing a pinstripe denim jacket from Manaaki menswear designed by Kat Tua. Kat’s got a really great design aesthetic. My jeans are by Jacob Kalin. They have a slight bootleg flare which works well with a cropped jacket. Boots are R.M. Williams. I do love a simple boot with a gusset because shoelaces are really boring to deal with.

Contributing editor

My outfit today is a classic high-low mix, including a Levi’s jacket that I picked up for £30 and a pair of boots from The Row that cost the equivalent of a month’s rent. It’s all about finding balance. And the earrings, by Copenhagen-based jeweller Sophie Bille Brahe, go with absolutely everything.

Multimedia journalist

I am very ready to embrace spring this week, especially if the weather continues to allow it. This Kowtow check dress is certainly suited to the brighter season, with a medley of blue, lilac, green and red. As a small compromise to winter, I’ve layered a Max white T-shirt underneath. I’ve leaned into the preppiness of the print with some collegial accessories — an oversized scrunchie from Daiso, some ribbon (thank you, Spotlight) and chunky-but-not-too-chunky Isabella Anselmi loafers. My jewellery is mostly thrifted, gifted or secondhand, save for a new ‘Ortigas’ necklace from local brand Gabebe. My glasses are prescription, Specsavers and deeply necessary (the same I’ll be donning all week).

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