Fashion Week: Cherry Cotton Candy, Very Early 80s

It was a playful step back in time at the Cherry Cotton Candy show – but not too far back. Think early ‘80s – playsuits, bomber jackets and zip-front dresses in pale blue denim, orange plaid oversized shirts with batwing sleeves, and tracksuits. I swear there was even a retro ‘supermarket style’ smock dress.

Cara Cotton’s chevron detailing made an appearance again this year in shades of orange, baby blue and red (called Dancehall), orange, yellow & white (Juicyfruit) or green, yellow and black (Marley).

This is sportswear at it’s most irreverent. Bomber jackets appeared in many guises; from cropped military style in a tiny houndstooth plaid through to an oversized denim version. Rest assured that in this designer’s world the hoodie remains a strong player next winter, but with a quirky twist to update it: batwing sleeved versions that were cropped, printed or elongated were teamed with shorts or skinny jeans and chunky trainers.

These shared the runway with many examples of ‘80s break dance-inspired tracksuits, oversized shorts in plaid, nylon or metallic fabric and slouchy boyfriend jeans. A standout? The gold pantsuit gathered onto elastic at the bust and the waist.

Jackie O’Fee

CARLSON

Speaking to a very relaxed Tanya Carlson before the show (yes, before the show – she blamed a glass of wine she’d just consumed), she told me that her “Fashion in Metamorphis” collection was initially inspired by wetsuits. Carlson has recently taken up surfing and likened surfers wet from the water to beetles – so her collection was inspired by wetsuits and insects...Hmmm – how many glasses of wine, Tanya?

As it happened, I needn’t have worried as the first model strode the catwalk in a gorgeous bronze lace playsuit, followed quickly by highly tailored high-waist jodhpurs teamed with a cropped, almost masculine tailored jacket in aubergine worn over a button down shirt.

Carlson, as always, uses magnificent cuts and detailing in her garments and this collection was all about cut. The fabrics were luxe – the sheen of satins and silks playing up the expert and unusual panelling in dresses, pants and skirts cut to suggest insect wings or shell.

Her knowledge and love of the female form was expertly dealt with – much of this collection was intensely figure hugging and sexy, but also had almost mannish touches. Leggings and dresses were panelled and top-stitched like wetsuits and waistcoats made an appearance.

I loved the form fitting Scorpion dress with its cleverly stitched rear panels that created a high collar at the back of the neck. Equally gorgeous were the stunning pants that hark back to the masculine tailoring of the 1940s – worn early in the show as part of a suit or later teamed with sheer silk bishop-sleeved blouse in the palest lilac worn underneath a racer back vest.

For more, check out fashionz.co.nz

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