Zambesi Stick To Their Knitting At Fashion Week

Some of the windows in the old warehouse where Zambesi held their show might have been broken, but the clothing that made its way down the long runway certainly wasn’t.

From oversized ‘open ruffle’ capes and tunics (think big, open, loopy netting) in leather, fur, and felted wool which were worn over everything from lace dresses to leather pants, through to the trademark beautifully tailored “I need those” pants, this collection was exactly what you expect from Zambesi.

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Image by Michael Ng/Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

The fairly neutral palette of grey, black and olive was peppered with flashes of mustard, bright green and rust in loose, open weave knitwear, with a brighter print seen in both a men’s shirt, woman’s top and dress. Other prints making a brief appearance were a silk dress in dandelion yellow with subtle brown splashes, a deep green-on-black print dress and an almost tapa-inspired print top worn under a jacket.

Leather has featured in many collections this year and Zambesi’s take on it was classic: long-line or bomber style leather jackets and slim leg pants, while military references abounded. Stripes down the outside of the leg of pants were seen in black and green, black and cream and black and grey, and classic cropped wool bombers with oversized breast pockets were worn atop pleated, tapered pants. The button fastenings on the rear of blouses was beautiful, allowing the wearer to show a little flesh as she exits a room, while the button and tab detail on trousers added subtle embellishment.

This was a truly polished showing from a label that has become a New Zealand icon – no shouting, no flashy gimmickry, just simple tailoring in quality fabrics coupled with an assurance that comes from knowing exactly what you are doing and how to do it. Zambesi do it very well indeed.

For more, check out fashionz.co.nz

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