Fashionz.co.nz: Liz Mitchell At NZ Fashion Week
Fashionz.co.nz Feature: Liz Mitchell At Air NZ Fashion Week
By Fashionz.co.nz's Jackie O’Fee
The sound of waves breaking onto shore, the sand and shells on the catwalk and the filmy tresses of chiffon ‘seaweed’ through which the models walked, all set the scene for Liz Mitchell’s “Undercurrent” collection.
It was pure Liz Mitchell – so very beautiful, so very accomplished. Everything from the tailored and refined daywear – much of it in black to really show the beautiful finish of the garments, through to her frothy wedding gown finale showed the outstanding confidence and experience of this designer.
Features that caught our eye were divine full length wool coats that fitted the body rather than hid the contours with oversized shawl collars; blouses with ruffles of pleated chiffon tied with pussy bows; and cropped sleeve jackets that exposed frothy cuffs from elbow to wrist.
Unexpected touches came from clever use of fabric – fine merino knit gathered onto satin bands formed a dress that easily made the transition from daywear to cocktails; black lace sewn onto champagne silk chiffon, metallic silver linen worked into beautiful jackets, a sequinned black jerkin that fitted snugly over a crisp, white shirt – again with oversized sleeves.
Much of the suiting had a classic 1940’s feel to it but Liz provided a few updated twists – like anorak style fastenings at the pockets and across the back of jackets, puffed lapels or simply no lapel at all – these better to team with the frothy, frilled blouses worn underneath. The skirts were simple pencil skirts with pleats at the rear.
The eveningwear was simply stunning – from simple lace chiffon shifts that shimmered under the lights, Swarovski crystal beaded dresses and beautifully cut evening pants in lightweight silk satin to a full length gown where a simple strapless sequinned top half gave way to a voluminous satin tulip skirt in the palest of sea green.
This was a collection guaranteed to make you love being a woman.
Jackie O’Fee