NZ Fashion Week: Zambesi - Together Journal

New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 witnessed an unforgettable spectacle as iconic fashion brand Zambesi, unveiled its S24 collection.

Against the stunning backdrop of Auckland’s Park Hyatt and the picturesque Viaduct Basin, Zambesi‘s runway show exuded an air of international allure. The show wasn’t just about showcasing clothes; it was about embracing the unexpected, celebrating individuality, and setting new standards in the world of fashion.

Inspired by the urban environment we live and work in, Zambesi designer and founder Elisabeth Findlay sought to create a collection that is at once unexpected yet reflects a familiarity that has become the cornerstone of the brand’s narrative.

Photography: Oliver Crawford for Zambesi

This collection features strong structured silhouettes paired with fluid silks defining a considered approach to form and function, freedom and restraint.

“The emphasis on unlikely combinations appeals to me and one’s individual interpretation to explore and dress for themselves has always been the backbone of our brand.” – Elisabeth Findlay, Zambesi founder and designer.

Elisabeth’s desire to celebrate each person’s uniqueness guided her brief for the hair and make-up.

“There’s a certain visceral feeling you get from Zambesi. The brand conjures emotion, and when people are wearing Zambesi they feel their most ultimate. We wanted this feeling to be conveyed and accentuated through the hair.” Benjamin James at Ryder Salon, hair director for O&M.

“With the makeup the individual is the character. It is all about the skin – highlighted, balmy and reflective. Some models will have an aubergine lip focus, whilst others will have an undone texture to the eye where models will smudge their own eye makeup on using their fingertips in whichever way they decide.” – Kiekie Stanners, makeup director using M.A.C Cosmetics.

With each piece, Zambesi reinforced its commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness while encapsulating the emotions that fashion can evoke.

Zambesi‘s runway show at New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 was more than just a display of garments; it was an expression of innovation, individuality, and a harmonious blend of urban aesthetics. By combining unexpected elements and celebrating personal expression, Zambesi’s S24 collection redefined the boundaries of fashion and left an indelible mark on the runway.