New Zealand's distance from the fashion capitals of the world does not stop it showing the myriad latest trends in daywear. Jude Hathaway reports.
Many Dunedin fashion followers kept up with the drama and entertainment of the northern hemisphere fashion weeks, held recently to highlight 2012 spring/summer collections, by way of the web and television. It's a good bet, too, that if, since then, they've visited leading fashion retail shops, they will have noticed that the marvellous mishmash of those ready-to-wear trends that will appear in New York, London, Paris and Milan next year are here this summer, right here, right now.
Trends are a natural progression and New Zealand designers are as good as any in the world to foresee them and run with their individual interpretations.
It is a season loaded with different styles, many mainstream collections reaching back to the '50s, '60s and '70s for inspiration.
Many of these looks are here for a second season to reinforce their significance on today's fashion front. But there are many.
"It's a tough season to clearly define," says Dallas Cunningham, designer for St Clair Design's Hallelujah label.
"Even the hems are all over the place with minis, maxis and every length in between." Assymetrical hemlines are also back - or have they never gone away?
Textiles present myriad textures, including lace and broderie anglaise from numerous labels and a conglomeration of colourways and prints.
They're the catalyst for much of the resort wear and the whole ladylike "tea party" look. This glance back to the '50s pushes beautiful floral print dresses with prim silhouettes that swept in a couple of seasons ago and have again been revamped to continue as winners for another run.
Some collections have given further attention to wider ballet-inspired skirts in net and tulle that will be handy for the festive season party circuit.
The short, figure-skimming A-line shapes of the '60s have also found a 21st-century spot in the sun, often in the geometric and paisley prints that also helped define that decade.
The mixing of tropical-fruit-salad colours of tangerine, turquoise, purple, gold and the green-tinged yellow called "citrine" adds searing splashes of colour to summer wardrobes, tempered by the elegance and calm of neutrals.
Black and white couplings in polka dots and stripes are always popular for the warmer months and this season is no exception.
Colour-blocking is back with graphic chunks of often clashing colours.
But also there are the pristine white garments in everything from duster coats to oversized shirts.
Summer in Otago always means an array of separates.
This year sees everything from pretty print skirts and sophisticated slim-line pencil styles to relaxed cargo pants that come in alongside both narrow and wide-legged traditional designs.
The little tailored black jacket, handy for any occasion, has come through coolly cropped or in the form of chic blazers.
Smart anoraks and bombers, or light summer leather styles are also prevalent.
Relaxed striped or floral blazers are showing, while short-sleeved bolero designs with a '50s feel are also there to throw over party gear. Little lightweight duster coats in neutrals or prints are another option for chillier days.
Knitwear is in itself a multifaceted story, covering everything from elegant fine-knit cardigans to T-shirts that more recently have appeared in collections of top fashion houses, as well as high ranking technical active-wear and jeanswear from where they were first nurtured.
Knit tops are showing in long and short-sleeve designs, printed or plain, and are key items in any New Zealand wardrobe, while retro aspects are seen in cotton lace crochet tops or lace or grosgrain trims.
Trends are many, looks are varied and there is still street, casual and party wear to cover for another time!
