Feature: Huffer At Air NZ Fashion Week

Distinctly New Zealand label Huffer made their debut at this year’s ANZFW, with one of the most anticipated shows on the schedule. Held off-site at the Huffer headquarters on Queen Street, royal antique chairs surrounded the catwalk which was formed from their workbench. The Electric Confectionaries band provided ear candy with a lounge-y rock’n’roll sound and there were more photographers than I had seen at any other show!

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The show kicked off with video-game style visuals then models entered, stopping to pose several times on the catwalk. Stripes and tartan checks were key prints in the collection and often layered and mixed with denim. I loved the maroon and black overdyed check dress inspired by overalls. For guys the print was used on farmer-style flannel shirts matched with fitted dark denim jeans.

“The big zig” was the signature print of the collection, a manipulated black and white zigzag. For girls the print looked particularly hot on ankle length leggings. The label is known for quirky prints and slogans, and tees featured the words “wow chill out” or a section of the zig artwork. Hoods were fashioned on jackets, jumpers and knits. A hooded blood red knit with toggle detailing was a favourite for guys and came in a similar style for girls.

Corduroy made an appearance in relaxed straight leg pants in hunter green. Jeans ranged from slim, straight cuts to more relaxed, wide leg styles. Denim was near black or dark navy detailed by contrast stitching. A funky accessory for the guys was a thick woollen scarf panelled in red, tan, blue and brown, with large pockets created at the bottom.

Cropped denim vests were a feature with mismatched button detailing. Overalls also featured the same button detailing with a self belt and patch pockets. Huffer made sure there was something for every girl by offering feminine singlets, dresses and skirts along with man-style shorts, jeans and hoodies.

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Hair was curled and pinned messily for girls, and models wore Converse or Nike sneakers – guys wore high-tops with striped socks pulled over the ankle of pants. Label heads Dan Buckley and Steven Dunstan saw the event as an opportunity for the mainly streetwear brand to get a bit more creative and step out of their comfort zone. And what a success it was!

Pia Christiansen

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