From the runways to the after parties, here’s what our team will be carrying during New Zealand Fashion Week. Image: launchemtrics.com/spotlight. Early starts and late nights are pretty much a given during the hectic schedule that is New Zealand Fashion Week. With its diverse array of shows, installations, lunches and after parties, the need for a reliable companion becomes paramount. Whether that takes the form of a trusty tote or an elegant clutch, a well-chosen handbag is an indispensable accessory during such weeks. Beyond its ability to provide the finishing touch to an already stellar ensemble, it also serves as a vessel for keeping an assortment of essentials on hand. As our team coordinates their itineraries and plans their outfits, one question remains: what does an FQ editor carry in their handbag during fashion week?   Here’s what they said: Sarah Murray, Editor-in-chief Yu Mei Scrunchie Vi in ‘Day Blue’, $619. With a short ‘scunchie’ handle and a longer one, this works perfectly as a clutch or a cross body. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $118, from Smith & Caughey’s. For me this foundation is light and easy to apply. It melts into the skin providing coverage but also lets your skin shine through. Kosas Revealer concealer, $54, from Mecca. A light concealer that you can easily reapply throughout the day.  Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in ‘Pillow Talk’, $59, from Mecca. Just my absolute favourite lipstick at the moment. I wear it most days, and currently am using a darker liner to accentuate the lip line.  Montblanc Notebook #146, $120. I would be lost without my Montblanc notebook to write down notes. Because it’s bright green it’s easy to find in the depth of a big bag, but equally brightens up any desk. Mother Earth Roasted and Salted Cashews. If I have a big day I’ll often take some cashews with me when I need an on-the-go snack.  The Virtue Holy Smoke Parfum 10ml, $69. The Virtues Holy Smoke (10ml) this pint sized pick fits in any bag/pocket. I adore the rich cinnamon bark, clove and tonka bean mix.  Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, $715, from Superette. I wear my Bottega Veneta sunglasses most days – so I wouldn’t go to Fashion Week without them. They’re the kind of choice that seem to go with everything…  July Power Bank. I used various iterations of a charging bank over the years and most barely charge your phone – however upon a top influencer-backed recommendation I’m ordering the July one asap. Let’s just hope it arrives in time…  Louise Dunn, Digital editor Georgia Jay Torta in Chalk, $650. Don’t let its fair hue fool you, this is one of the most low-maintenance bags in my modest repertoire. It has a soft and buttery leather, and slings under your shoulder easily while offering a deceptive amount of storage.  Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask, $52, from Mecca. Few products can infuse my lips with long-lasting hydration like the Tatcha lip mask. Between coffees, cocktails, and conversations, this little beauty is going to be doing overtime for NZFW.  Guerlain Terracotta Luminizer, $110, from Smith & Caughey’s. This long-wearing powder works like a second skin to warm up my complexion and adds a sweep of shimmer – ideal to apply between shows for a fresh look-alive appearance.  La Mer The Eye Concentrate, $465, from Mecca. For when I need to fool people into believing I’ve had a full eight hours the night before.  NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla, $58, from Mecca. I’m all for practicality. I subbed in this reliable, blendable, and buildable concealer earlier this year when I couldn’t replace a Givenchy rendition –  and I have no temptation to look back.  An Organised Life 2023 A5 Daily Planner, $65. Despite being digital editor, I still go back to a trusty pen and paper to document any clever quips or revelations post-presentation to revisit later. Since An Organised Life closed its doors, this will be my last fashion week with the iconic diary in tow.  Abel Odor Cyan Nori, 15ml, $140. With hints of plant-derived musk, and punchy notes of tangerine and peach for a salty, deep-sea dry-down, this fragrance carries me from morning to evening with ease.  Prada Symbole sunglasses in Camel Beige, $740. I’ve never been particularly precious about sunglasses; I need to be able to fold them and throw them into my bag with next to no care. I bought these when I was in Milan in 2022 and continue to thrash them (even if everyone practically has them now).  BePure InnerStrength, $69. In a bid to curve burnout, I reach for vitamins to keep me afloat. And there’s no brand I trust more than BePure to see me through.  Avene Eau Thermale, 50ml, $13, from Life Pharmacy. More make-up than usual can often increase my skin’s sensitivity. This mist has been my go-to for more than a decade. I recommend it to everyone. Amberley Colby, Editorial assistant Brie Leon Everyday Croissant Bag, $274. On days where I’m out for long periods of time and need to carry a range of things, this bag is my absolute go to. Not only is it chic and complements just about any look, but it can fit all of my essentials and then some.  Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in ‘Cherry’, $70.  I generally err towards gloss over lipstick, and this Dior one is a staple in my repertoire. Non-sticky, pigmented, hydrating and shiny all at once, this is my hack to the perfect pout.  M.A.C Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in ‘Thanks, it’s M.A.C!’, $47. For those moments where I do feel I need a little extra something, I love layering this sheer nude lipstick over my aforementioned gloss. It’s lightweight and ever-so-slightly pearlescent, but not over-the-top.  Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer, $56, from Sephora. Sadly, the bags under these eyes aren’t Prada, which means a good concealer is a must during a long day of shows. A little goes a long way with this one, so I like keeping one on hand in case I’m in need of a little reviving.  Kikki K Skyline Notebook, $38. With my phone as my calendar, I keep this trusty notebook in my arsenal for scribbling down copious notes throughout the week. Serious Food Co Sea Salt popcorn. When the urge to snack arises, a little crunchy sodium hit usually does the trick. Curio Noir Pablo 4ml Pocket Parfum, $50. With its creamy, smokey and sophisticated scent profile, this mini pocket parfum takes me from day to night with ease.  Lu Goldie Aurelie sunglasses, $129, from Ruby. Less is more for me when it comes to glasses, so I adore the simplicity of these semi-classic cat eye frames. Tangle Teezer Original, $25.95, from Farmers. This mane needs maintenance, so you’ll never catch me anywhere without a hair brush.

It’s no secret that Aotearoa is home to a variety of talented knitwear brands, but here’s one that definitely deserves a spot on your radar. Imagery: supplied. Established in 2013 by founder Christina Grant, Perriam is based in the idyllic village of Tarras in the South Island of Aotearoa. Born to a mother and father who owned a sheep station and wool shop in the region, Grant’s love affair with merino dates back as early as childhood, which ultimately led her to follow in their footsteps by founding her own luxury knitwear label.  About the Perriam spring/summer collection This week, the brand unveiled their latest collection for Spring/Summer 23/24 in what is their first ever collaboration with artist and designer Meg Gallagher, whose talents have seen her work in Australia for the likes of Camilla & Marc and Ksubi. With Gallagher helping to guide the direction of the collection, this range draws its tonal inspiration from the idyllic Central Otago landscape which Grant grew up in, featuring a delightfully earthy palette of warm nutmeg, sand, pine and hazelnut. Designed with timelessness and durability in mind, the collection champions a variety of fabrics and silhouettes, including the transeasonal Ultrafine Merino, and the soon-to-be-released Merino Cotton blend seen in crew and v-neck sweaters, collared jerseys, classic t-shirts and tanks. Moving into summer, there will also be several maxi and midi dress styles arriving in lightweight fabrications accompanied by an effortlessly-cool linen suit set that invites year round versatility. Ideal pieces to be worn alone or layered together, each style is crafted to encourage the wearer to pause and feel the fabric, savouring the tactile beauty that natural fibres and quality craftsmanship bring to the clothing.  Imagery: supplied. Imagery: supplied. Perriam's guide to caring for your knitwear While the sun shines brighter during the day, the early mornings and late evenings often leave us feeling a little chilly during the spring season, reminding us not to retire our woolly layers just yet. Merino, with its exceptional ability to adapt to varying body temperatures, is therefore the perfect fibre to invest in during the warmer months – a fact well understood by local knitwear brand, Perriam. Below, they share their expert tips: To remove odours, leave woollen garments outside. They love sunshine and fresh air – just like us. Moth holes happen because wool and other animal fibres contain keratin, which clothes worms love to eat. Be sure to clean your knitwear before you put it away as moths can be attracted to food stains and moisture. Moths also hate lavender, so consider storing your knits with a bag of dried lavender. Pilling is a natural process that can be hard to prevent, caused simply by the rubbing of fibres in a garment. To help prevent it, when you wash your knits, make sure they are inside-out, and don’t use fabric softener. Running a cool iron over a woollen garment after it has been washed and dried can also help smooth the fibres. When pilling does occur, remove pills with a sweater stone. When pilling occurs it isn’t an indication of low quality, it occurs because of the superior softness of the fibres used. Brushing wool with a clothes brush can shake out dirt and dust that dulls its appearance. Imagery: supplied. Want to try the collection in person? Perriam has three stores throughout Aotearoa in Tarras, Wanaka, and Christchurch. 

Consider this your definitive guide to navigating Aotearoa’s biggest fashion event with style. Image: launchemtrics.com/spotlight. As we countdown to what will be the first New Zealand Fashion Week in three years (thanks, Covid), the excitement is mounting in our local fashion community. Traditionally, NZFW has maintained an industry-centric focus during its weekday shows, reserving access for the general public only for the weekend presentations, but this year has brought about a refreshing change. The upcoming event – scheduled to run from August 29th to September 2nd, 2023 – promises an extended array of weekday and weekend shows accessible to the public.  Whether you’re local to Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland or are journeying from out of town, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to navigating this busy week including where to stay, where to dine and where to shop during Aotearoa’s biggest fashion event of the year.  Where to stay From 10am each each day, there will be back-to-back shows from some of the industry’s biggest names and notable up and comers, so staying within close proximity of the venue will be a necessity for retaining your stamina for the week. With the majority of shows taking place onsite at the Viaduct Events centre, there are an abundance of luxurious lodging options within walking distance, including NZFW’s official hotel partner for the year, M Social.  Image: M Social Harbour Suite. M Social Located a mere 600 metres from the venue, a stay at M Social would mean that you can nip back and forth between shows with ease, whether for make-up touchups, an outfit change, or the quickest of power naps. With 190 contemporary rooms on offer, many of which have views overlooking Princes Wharf, and a range of dining and fitness facilities within arms reach, this is a fuss-free option for those wanting to stay close to the action. Better yet, as the official hotel partner for NZFW this year, you can score 20% off your stay by booking through the NZFW website. Image: Park Hyatt Suite. Park Hyatt As the closest hotel to the venue out of our list of accommodations, Park Hyatt gives you a literal front row seat to all of the action throughout the week. With its sleek, chic fit-out that plays host to four restaurants and bars, a day spa, a 25-metre infinity pool, and a full fitness centre, this hotel epitomises luxury in all its forms. At just a two minute walk from the venue, you can easily pop back for a little post-show massage or facial. Image: QT King. QT Auckland There’s a lot to love about the QT Auckland, from its quirky furnishings to its generously-sized rooms. Located just a stone’s throw from the venue, we also love it as an accessible option to stay in during NZFW. Home to the esteemed Esther restaurant, you’ll be able to fuel up on culinary delights around the clock, with a range of room service offerings also available during your stay. And to cap off a long day of show hopping? We recommend celebrating with a glass of bubbles or two at the hotel’s coveted rooftop bar.  Where to eat Though there’s guaranteed to be a range of gourmet treats available on site throughout the duration of the week thanks to Savor Group (who is an official partner of NZFW), it’s likely you’ll be needing some dining recommendations to keep you energised for all those moments in between. Here are our top picks for staying satiated all week long: Bivacco This Italian focused restaurant opened its doors late last year, and since then it has quickly earned a place as one of our favourite dining spots in the city. Situated close to the venue, you can head here for a long lunch, a post-show dinner or a casual tipple at your leisure. Offering a range of classics such as pipe rigate and tiramisu, we expect this to be a hot spot during NZFW. Williams Eatery In the mood for hearty lunch? Williams Eatery has you covered. Serving a mix of local and intentionally inspired dishes, consider this your one stop shop for great food and coffee. While we’re certainly partial to their premium pasture eggs on Daily Bread sourdough, we recommend their octopus scramble for something a little more adventurous.  Soul Bar and Bistro A place to see and be seen in, Soul Bar is an institution for locals of all walks of life. While often frequented as a celebration spot or as a Friday night after work drinks destination, its Soul’s unpretentious yet delicious menu that keeps us coming back time and time again. For a truly soulful experience, consider trying one of their signature cocktails with a dish of their famous mac and cheese. Trust us, you won’t regret it. Where to shop What we wear to NZFW is an important consideration that is often planned weeks in advance. Though we’re sure to get an abundance of new style inspiration from watching designers debut their new collections, what’s fashion week without a little pre-show shopping spree?  Commercial Bay Since it opened in mid 2020, this premium shopping precinct has become our go-to destination for when we’re in need of some retail therapy. Home to more than 100 fashion, beauty, and dining locations, you’ll find everything from local favourites such as Wynn Hamlyn and Kate Sylvester (whose NZFW show we’re extremely excited for) to luxe international labels like Kate Spade and Sandro. With an assortment of casual and more high-end dining options scattered throughout the precinct, you can easily spend hours here without running out of things to do.  Britomart After a lengthy trip to Commercial Bay, you can make your way down to Britomart, home to labels like Maggie Marilyn, Deadly Ponies, FABRIC, and more. Surrounded by top eateries and bars, you can wet your whistle between visiting the stores of some of Aotearoa’s best designers. Whether it’s a full length gown or a ‘jeans and nice top’ combo you’re in search of, there’s something for everyone here.

Meet the FQ team making NZFW Kahuria 2023 happen. @louisedunn___ NZFW is back after a three-year hiatus and Fashion Quarterly is your all-access pass, bringing you exclusive backstage content, the very best street style, interviews with top fashion designers and models, runway reviews and beauty breakdowns. What’s your role at Fashion Quarterly? In short: everything that is published on the FQ.co.nz, our social media channels, and in our weekly newsletter has either been written or edited by me. Content creation and curation, writing/editing, and visual content management are the primary tasks of the digital editor and are complemented with several strategic tasks like SEO and analytics, adapting to digital trends, and audience engagement. I collaborate with our art director Georgia to iterate on our ‘look and feel’ and support our editor in chief Sarah with commercial content and the odd article for print. I couldn’t tackle the sheer quantity of tasks under the digital veil without the muscle of our editorial assistant Amberley and a few others who assist with workflow, client bookings, and managing our digital platforms (you know who you are).   What will your focus be at NZFW? Being open-minded and providing support to our local designers – new and established – by way of attending and reporting on their shows, any noteworthy trends, and relaying it back to our readers. We plan on being active on the FQ Instagram and wrapping up each day with a daily digest on FQ.co.nz, so stay tuned.  When did you attend your first NZFW and what’s your standout memory from it? The first NZFW I attended was in 2018 as a digital content producer. The digital editor at the time was lapping it up in Europe so it was initiation by fire in terms of producing and publishing content around the clock. It was a whirlwind of a week and I loved every minute of it. The people, the parties, and the atmosphere of each show was so unique, it was intoxicating. The Stolen Girlfriends Club show was a standout, as was a particular Maggie Marilyn outfit that I wore that was so ~elite~ at the time.  What has been your favourite NZFW show/collection to date? Kathryn Wilson and Trelise Cooper have always turned out immaculate energy but it’s always the shows with the most ‘wearable now’ pieces that I feel most inspired by. In 2018, it’d be a tie between Wynn Hamlyn and Rachel Mills. But Hej Hej taking over a yacht in the Viaduct was pretty fabulous.  What show(s) are you most looking forward to this year? This year will be unlike previous years for many reasons. But I suspect the NOM*d show will be a highlight in terms of vibes and Zambesi for its collection. Given that this is Kate Sylvester’s 30th anniversary, I imagine she’ll be executing something special, too.  What kind of trends or themes are you hoping to see on the runway this year? Everyday chic – pieces that look polished, elegant and feminine in their silhouette but utilise very unfussy fabrics. I adore contrast like big masculine layers over sheer and supple textiles. I’m super curious to see which colourways emerge.  What’s your key to making the week go smoothly? Preparation is pretty key. Knowing what I’m going to be wearing ahead of time frees up my mental space to focus on being in the present. Oh, and a little self-compassion, too. During NZFW you’re not eating normally, sleeping regularly, or able to fulfil your routine which can feel jilting to any progress. But it’s such a privilege to have this opportunity and finding space during the week to appreciate that goes a long way.  What’s your NZFW style? Honestly, who knows? This year feels the most cavalier yet. I’ll be focused on comfort and chic outerwear. I’m at the age and stage where I feel pretty comfortable in myself to wear pieces however unglamorous with conviction. But if I had a budget to fulfil my wildest dreams, it would be oversized tailoring, relaxed mens knitwear, and beautiful pointed-toe pumps.  Keep up with Louise and the FQ team at NZFW by following us on Instagram.