With a collection that owes very little to what anyone else did at NZFW this year, Salasai sent down possibly the slickest and best edited show this year. With linens and silks, soft lemon, muted blue, rosy burgundy and flax colours it all had an incredibly smooth feel to it. While we have seen shots of chevron on the runway, Salasai’s version is entirely deconstructed in blues, burgundy and double cream. Every garment was pressed beautifully, hung as it should and looked flawless. The styling by Dan Ahwa was impeccable. New Zealand company Hills Hats supplied the gorgeous western feeling hats and Hannahs the footwear, especially the sandals worn with ankle stockings. Even the soundtrack of Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and Nirvana was mellow and noticeably gentler than many we have listened to this week. We just loved the pearl knit jumpers in soft lemon and caramel, and also in burgundy and deep grey/black. Loved the burgundy leather pants with the quilted knee detailing as well as the burgundy leather jacket. Loved the attention to detail with the pin-tucking on the silk. I am going to be using the word ‘loved’ a lot, I can tell…The small bow detail on the blouses was wonderful. It did feel almost like a summer collection with light silks and flax linen, and short sleeves. With the inspiration for the collection coming to Kirsha Whitcher from the movie Revolution Road, the strong ‘heartlands’ (the name of the collection) midwest American feel is played out with the simplest of hair from Lauren Gunn for Stephen Marr. With the hair pulled back into a low ponytail quietly embellished with wheat stalks. The make up by key M.A.C. artist Amber D was Dolly Parton meets Joan Jet inspired. The nails were just beautiful replicating the deconstructed chevron pattern straight onto the nails. All round – just a beautiful show from a fully fledged and completely grown up label.

Photography by Michelle Weir