Nikita Brown/Nikita Brown Photography

Four Wellington labels—Philippa & Alice, Love Hotel, Mardle, and Highnoontea—were part of Willis York’s winter showcase at its Taranaki Street, Wellington premises on a very warm Friday night.
   The event, showing the labels’ autumn–winter 2013 collections, had a total of 20 looks, five from each.
   Four models, with hair by Willis York using L’Oréal Professionnel, came down the catwalk in their underwear, each putting on the first look from each label at the end of the catwalk. When the show began in earnest, the model wearing Philippa & Alice stood up and kicked off the first five, with another four models arriving wearing other outfits from the range.
   While the number of looks from each label was limited, it gave those attending a good feel of what was on offer: very noticeable tartan jacket and pants from Philippa & Alice; Love Hotel’s focus on kimonos for the autumn–winter season; Mardle’s comprehensive range of staples, from T-shirts to maxi-dresses; and Highnoontea’s well executed coats and jackets.
   They also demonstrate that Wellington designers aren’t afraid to use colour for winter, in line with the Zeitgeist abroad.
   Sponsors for the event included Quick Brown Fox, Broken Shed Vodka, ECC Lighting, C. G. R. Merchant & Co., Ultra Shoes, Whittaker’s chocolate, Willis York, Cup o Love Catering, Julian Danger (for the lingerie), and Tag.
   We’re pleased to note that all these young labels have continued a high standard. We were only introduced to Mardle and Love Hotel last year, and we’re happy to see their designs get stronger.—Jack Yan, Publisher

Nikita Brown/Nikita Brown Photography

Above From the Willis York winter showcase.

Nikita Brown/Nikita Brown Photography

Top Lucire publisher Jack Yan and Rhonda Grant. Above Lucire fashion editor Sopheak Seng. Below Behind-the-scenes preparations captured by Nikita Brown.

Nikita Brown/Nikita Brown Photography