Juliette Hogan's Delightful Showcase at NZ Fashion Week 23 Kahuria
Juliette Hogan’s inaugural runway took place on the evening of the 29th and the crowd was nothing short of buzzing. I am proud to report that Juliette didn’t just meet the hype – she surpassed it!
The fabrics of the garments were particularly enticing. We’re talking flowy silks that made you wish for a gentle breeze just to see them ripple (as per the picture above). Clever tailoring and finishing were evident in every piece, from smartly cut jackets to heavenly gowns with intricate pleats that conjured an audible sigh from the crowd of onlookers.
The collection, aptly named 2023.FOUR, was a fresh breath of air with a mix of Juliette's signature subdued tones, sprinkled with a zesty summer colour palette. This collection is for the lady of leisure: she loves to travel, lounge poolside, and is always up to date on the New York Bestsellers list. She is strong and sweet, a sun-chaser, and a dreamer. The whole thing screamed sophistication with a side of cheeky fun, and the audience was here for it!
Wedding bells on the horizon? Hen’s party, fancy lunch soiree? Or maybe just a killer party? Her bridal-inspired pieces were the standout in my eyes. Showcasing a range of asymmetrical necklines in an homage to Roy Halston, the cuts were pure genius. And the sparkly fabrics just screamed dance floor disco vibes. But it wasn’t all just about the glitz; there were shimmery numbers for everday wear too.
Alice Feutz’s styling touch was all over the 36 looks, each one telling its own summer story of a woman in charge. There was a clear play between the masculine and feminine: think flowy dresses paired with structured jackets and floor length silks paired with flat sandals. It was a dance of contrasts, and it played out beautifully on the runway in all it juxtapositionary glory.
If you are a lover of an Autumnal palette, then Juliette had something for you too! Classic Hogan touches came through in colors and prints inspired by the great outdoors: think soft pinks and vibrant hues seamlessly flowed into earthy tones of browns and ocher. Delightfully transeasonal and timeless for years to come.
This runway was a masterclass in combining wearable everyday pieces with something a little more special. It felt so right for the here and now, but with that ageless touch that makes it classic. It’s luxury, but the kind you can wear to your next summer outing without a second thought. A beautiful colour palette and meticulous structure brought this runway to life.