Set in St Matthew Church in downtown Auckland, Salasia's AW 11/12 collection titled "Uncharted Territory" suited this dark and eery setting all too perfectly. High ceilings, stone walls and dim lighting created a mysterious backdrop for Salasai's highly praised show. A little darker than my usual aesthetic, it was refreshing to see how Salasai's designer Kisha Witcher worked what usually would be quite feminine elements - lace, pearls and silk georgette into an androgynous yet highly wearable collection. Teamed with tartan prints, Doc Martens and black leather, this entire collection had an admirable balance between light and dark. A stark change from her previous SS 11/12 collection, we enter a darker world of Salasai. With a slight preppy vibe evident with lace peter pan collars, oversized knit cardigans, button up shirt dresses and uni sex blazers. There was a little bit of everything even for the vintage lover in me. It's one thing to present your collection but it's another to create a certain atmosphere or mood during it, and Salasai executed this beautifully as I left the show feeling haunted and inspired. A wonderful way to finish what was the very first exciting day of NZFW.

If anyone asked me what my favourite NZFW shows were I would immediately think of three designers and Juliette Hogan's AW 11/12 "Bitter Sweet Memories" was at the very top of my list. Not being familiar with her beautiful line before I was literally gasping and muttering "Oh my god, I love that" every 10 seconds to the poor people beside me, and I'm sure you can see why. Juliette's collections have been described as "quietly sophisticated clothes that well mannered girls want to wear". Two toned collared shirts, whimsical and soft feminine fabrics paired with chunky autumn knits, vintage inspired grandma cardigans and beautifully tailored suits. Vibrant floral prints in an autumn pallet of maroon, cream and mustard and even a hint of leopard print too, my brain was in overdrive and I left the show proclaiming (and slightly shouting) my love for Juliette to anyone who would listen. No word of a lie. I absolutely loved the whole collection from start to finish and Juliette's use of leather collars, chunky gold chains and messy low ponytails gave this collection a new found edge and in my eyes made it a flawless collection. A modern take on classic feminine pieces creating a timeless yet on trend collection that girls everywhere should be taking inspiration from. New Zealand's darling may have just found her number one Australian fan in me.