The 3000 strong audience at the two iD Fashion Shows in Dunedin were kept fashionably warmed by outstanding designer collections on the 110m long runway of the Dunedin Railway Station on Friday 8 April and Saturday 9 April 2011.
Australian fashion designer, Akira Isogawa, wowed audiences with his collection of exquisite designs that showcased his internationally renowned flair for innovation, intellect and culture. Further highlights included Liz Mitchell’s spectacular couture collection as well as stand-out vintage pieces from Charlotte Smith’s Darnell Collection.
Sixteen labels showed their winter collections at the 2011 iD Dunedin Fashion Week. Crowd-favourites caught the attention of the audience as the show opened with a colourful collection by Carlson, followed by dramatic collections by Nom*D, Mild Red and sophisticated pieces by Charmaine Reveley. Twenty-seven names, Company of Strangers and Lela Jacobs also graced the stage, alongside footwear designer, Kathryn Wilson, who made her iD debut at this year’s events.
- The Capsule Collections featured eight mini collections from Elusiv, DADA, Vaughan Geeson, Lou and Ash and a joint showcase by the Cooper sisters, Tamsin and Emily, with their respective labels Tamsin Cooper and Silkbody. Three emerging designers also debuted in the Capsule Collections: Richard Moore (formerly label Dot Com), Maaike (Abbey van Schreven and Emilie Pullar) and Katie-maree Cole. The line-up was completed with collections by five graduates from the Otago Polytechnic School of Design.
- The iD shows also featured the winners from the iD International Emerging Designer Awards which took place on Thursday, 7 April 2011. First place was awarded to Kate Bolzonello (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia). Second and third place winners, Shenaz Engineer (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) and Sarah Mok (Sydney University of Technology, Australia) and winner of the coveted Mittelmoda prize, Marie Kelly (Massey University, New Zealand).
- The iD Dunedin Fashion show on Friday night was hosted by Carol Hirschfeld looking elegant in a black rose skirt, singlet and signature grey coat from Charmaine Reveley’s 2011 winter collection. Carol wore a stunning 1940s Carlson black silhouette dress at the Saturday night show and teamed up with co-host John Campbell to entertain the audience.
- Redken for the 10th consecutive year took charge of the runway hair creations led by Richard Kavanagh, with a 25 strong team of stylists from all over New Zealand. Revlon worked backstage to create four beauty looks led by principle makeup artist Aliana Mc Daniel and a team of 26 make-up artists, to compliment the designer collections featured on more than 50 Ali McD models.
- Two lucky audience members won return flights to Brisbane as part of the Pacific Blue Lucky Boarding Pass draw.
- More than 85 media from across New Zealand and Australia attended iD Dunedin Fashion Week which featured more than 25 key events.
- Images, biographies and interviews available on request.
Quotes
Akira Isogawa, international guest designer, www.akira.com.au
“There’s a particular energy about Dunedin which makes it very special and I was surprised by the iD International Emerging Designer Awards – it was a good surprise! There was such a diverse range of styles from all over the world and the standard of work was very high. Dunedin is a unique city. It is relatively small, but it has an intimate atmosphere which I find charming.”
Charlotte Smith, curator of the Darnell Collection, www.darnellcollection.com
“It has been the most powerful experience I have been involved in with my collection. To see the runway, sparkling with beautiful lights, the community support and the models, it was really emotional for me. iD Dunedin Fashion Week’s shows are spectacular, international and so professional – it has been extraordinary. I feel privileged to have been a part of this week.”
Susie Staley, Chair, iD Dunedin Fashion Week Committee
“We have been very fortunate to secure high calibre international guests this year with Akira, Charlotte Smith and her The Darnell Collection and national guest Liz Mitchell. The calendar of associated events has grown considerably over the past twelve years and we want our sponsors and supporters to continue to take advantage of what the week offers. We know how important iD Dunedin Fashion Week is to the city and this year has been a resounding success.”