Other-Worldly

Decorative magenta piped mauve-grey silk items, sapphire blue velvet trim and gold threaded cream bar-jackets and straight-leg trousers were thrown into the mix with one beautifully fitted cream blouse offset with rose patterned cuffs, collar and thick waist band. Structured points and Minnie Mouse shoulders, high-waisted pencil line skirts and belted bustiers made up this section’s æsthetic with a chic wraparound kimono style, rose print coat with triangular lapel, sapphire velvet garnishing and tied at the waist with a tulip yellow satin bow belt catching the most attention.

The outfits to follow amassed even greater attention as story three introduced a dream of a winter princess for 2012, built on beauty and sources from current times. Thick faux furs in powder pink, ice blue, dove grey, snow white and a caramel-white blend added playfulness to hoods, high-collared coats and cropped capes adorned with large round buttons and fluffy pom-poms. A form-fitting, subdued leopard-print dévoré velvet zipped-up coat with chunky fur cuff and hem, patterned tights and colourful bow belts all featured. While splashes of Swarovski crystals and very operatic sky-towering headpieces, which one would expect to see on a set of The Magic Flute, stole the show with their glamorous edge.

For us, there was a stand-out outfit even amongst a collection of superb creations: an accentuated puff-sleeved crisp white shirt with large red French cuffs smattered with crystals, fastened in the middle with a bejewelled broach, atop a red diamante embellished polar neck, all tucked into a long high-waisted black velvet, ultra-tight skirt with train. The skirt’s tight fit restricted the model’s walk to a quirky hobble, countering the outfit’s regal silhouette and revealing a gorgeously patterned silk lining with the lifting of the train.

The spectacle drew to an end with the crowd abuzz with the show’s vibrant energy, topped with the excitement over the impending announcement of the New Zealand’s Next Top Model winner. Brigitte scored the well deserved winner’s title. •

Lisa Wilson/Lisa Wilson Photography

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