There are certain shows for me, that are just highlights to the week.  I just know, consistently, that these labels will deliver. It’s is not just their longevity on the New Zealand landscape, but their genuine craft, and talent with what they do.  NOM*d is one of those shows.

It never fails to surprise me that NOM*d’s Margie Robertson can take similar re-occurring elements each collection and each time make them fresh and interesting. The reoccurring themes of waistcoats, plaid, spray paint, kilts, aprons and silks look so fresh this winter with NOM*d R.E.M w2016.

With the haunting soundtrack of Sam Hunt reading poems both of his own (The House which is a personal favourite of mine) and also James K Baxter’s Jerusalem – the show felt decidedly etherial. I spoke to Margie Robertson after the show and she explained that the recording was made in the notorious Chicks Hotel in Port Chalmers when Hunt recently performed there. The old stone doors that formed the backdrop for the show was a photo of the hotels front doors. The soundtrack was also supplemented by Alistair Galbraith.

To this soundtrack the clothes came down the runway in their signature black with splashes of white (in the form of paint brushstrokes) – and also styled with what I can only imagine are NOM*d bags – in canvas and leather. There where small clutches as well – I am hoping these were not just styling accessories, but actually will go into production! This was added to later with the softest baby pink, and a strong olive green. The last dress to come down the runway was completely covered in NOM*d’s trademark badges – the entire dress. A statement piece if I ever saw one.

The whole show had a sleepy quality – and this was what they were going for – that dreamlike state between waking and sleeping when you are unsure what is real and what isn’t.  Luckily for us, this was all VERY real.