We are very happy to see Cybele back at NZFW after the birth of her daughter last year. It is always feels wrong when she isn’t showing. She feels like such an integral part of New Zealand fashion. Just as it feels wrong that Jimmy D isn’t showing this year – we miss his voice and unique point of view. With tight tailoring, nipped in waist, almost skater skirt – we loved the jackets and skirts that came out with the wide  PVC belts. With the beautiful screen print detailing of flowers on the hemlines and jacket shoulders linking the tailoring and Cybele’s iconic printed fabrics. The silks she is so well-known for came down the runway in oversized tunics, and shapes we have seen before from her, re-invented with a new painterly black and white silk. I know from experience how wearable and feminine these garments are. With lace, tweed, metallic mesh and plastic all fabrics of choice in this collection, and leadlight-inspired graphic detailing – it is an inspired mix of things that at first glance shouldn’t go together, but for Cybele, do. With cobalt the striking color of choice mixed into the tweed, black and white – the floor length silk dress was a showstopper. It wouldn’t be a Cybele collection without a graphic print – and the tiger and owl prints are just spot on. Welcome back to NZFW Cybele – we missed you!

Photography by Michelle Weir