In the depths of winter when it comes to fashion, we’re looking for comforting layers and desirable accessories.
It’s too early to be thinking about picking items for a spring/summer wardrobe but boy, with plenty of people enjoying sunny summer holidays in the northern hemisphere, we sure are tempted.
The high summer collections from luxury brands, fresh new colour combinations and Jacquemus’ runway show down a cliff in Corsica all add to that desire. But when we dress in the morning and it’s cold and dark outside, it’s still coats, scarves and warming additions that are doing the hard work of our wardrobes.
Locally there’s plenty of fashion action to inspire our wish-lists though – here’s what we’re shopping right now:
Oroton Cleo Bag
Welcome news for the local shopping scene – Australia’s Oroton has arrived. The new boutique just opened in the Commercial Bay shopping precinct on Auckland’s waterfront is the label’s first expansion outside of Australia. Apparently, it’s just the beginning for New Zealand. In a statement announcing the Commercial Bay store launch, Oroton’s CEO Peter Halkett revealed Oroton is planning to open several stores in NZ over the next 12 to 24 months.
The luxe fashion and accessories label brings its established reputation for refined modern classics to our shores, a welcome arrival if you’re looking for that classic wool sweater, or that keep-forever leather work tote. You wont be surprised we’re particularly enamoured with Oroton’s current combination of poppy red and cream separates, thought the soft suede Cleo shoulder bag (above) is also on our shopping list.
Mikimoto pearls
This week we had the pleasure of getting up close with the high jewellery collection from Mikimoto, one of the world’s most revered pearl jewellery houses, available here through Partridge. The high jewellery features flawless, rare cultured pearls in conjunction with diamonds and colourful precious stones in artistic designs worn by the likes of Emily Blunt, Uma Thurman and Michelle Yeoh. Though the high jewellery is only shown periodically to select Partridge customers, the jeweller has a permanent range of classic Mikimoto styles available through its boutiques.
Mikimoto was the first in the world to create cultured pearls back in 1893 in Japan, and you can see how the exceptional quality of each piece continues to deliver heirloom-worthy pieces. Nevertheless, plenty of the designs bring a modern sensibility to pearl jewellery, with pieces that can be converted to different looks depending on where the clasp is placed, or how the pearls are situated on a chain or bracelet.
Karen Walker vest
Speaking of cosy, Karen Walker is the queen of playful and quirky combinations, but the latest is warm and toasty too. This layered up look features Karen Walker’s just launched velvet Ashford vest and the sweet Runaway faux fur collar. The tonal eyewear is the cherry on top!
Moochi skirt
A long skirt with a crisp, oversized button-up shirt is a styling approach that has leapt into our consciousness since Matthieu Blazy sent several down the runway in his much celebrated debut collection for Chanel. It’s not an entirely new approach but has gained favour again ever since – even appearing in couture collections. Thus, long skirts have been exploding in popularity overseas and are starting to land here, like in this incredibly desirable Moochi number.
Caitlin Crisp cable-knit set
Caitlin Crisp is gearing up to open NZ Fashion week with a full-scale runway show, but she’s still thinking about our winter holidays. At least that’s what it feels like having just dropped this merino-cashmere set perfect for lounging or apres-ski. If you’re suck in the city, the quarter-zip works perfectly with jeans but it’s the matching set (see you later, sweat pants!) that has really stolen our heart.
Deadly Ponies bag
Animal print has been a back in fashion’s good-books lately, from leopard fashion and accessories to the surprising rise of zebra-print. Deadly Ponies is coming to the print-party with a capsule launch of four styles in cheetah print calf hair. The mid brown tone makes it easy to pair with neutral outfits. We can’t wait to sling on this slouchy and oversized Chopalopagus Bag.
