The headlining show of New Zealand Fashion Week 2018, Trelise Cooper returns bringing her exquisite creations back to the runway after a four year break, and the experience was magical.

Trelise Cooper is known for her larger than life creations and shows, with all the razzle dazzle and endless sparkle. This year’s show was one extravagant rainbow of colour, texture and craftsmanship as she successfully took on the task of blending looks across three of her labels: Trelise Cooper, Cooper, and COOP. Trelise showcased Spring, Summer, and Pre-Fall 2019 highlights, and even made an appearance at the end herself wearing a gorgeous embellished black tulle gown. Music for the evening was provided during the show from musicians ‘Sweet Mix Kids’ and even featured a live electric violin performance, shortly before the final walk. Leading up to the show, the backstage action also provided many beautiful photo opportunities, telling the story of so many that came together to make this the unique experience it was.

Scroll down below, to view the entire show of Trelise Cooper, COOP, and Cooper collections for 2019. This year I photographed for the official media partner of New Zealand Fashion Week, to see full coverage of every show head over to the FashioNZ website!

Backstage before the show, I caught up with the head makeup artist and the designer for the Trelise Cooper look: Liz Hyun. Liz is a familiar face at Fashion Week, a MAC professional. She designed the looks for a host of other NZFW designers such as highly anticipated names Kathryn Wilson, the Miss FQ Show. She also worked on many others including the Knuefermann show on opening night. Liz shared with me during a backstage chat about how she put together this look on my Instagram stories which you can view here, and it’s not something for the shy or faint hearted. A bold white cat eye, with a block gap defines the flicks on the sides when the eyes are open, a creative take on the traditional softer cat eye. Above the top lid are a row of silver diamantes, and also applied are lashes on both the top and bottom. This, as Liz explained to me is done with absolute precision. Lips and cheeks were kept relatively natural in contrast. [I created my own rendition of this look during my celebrations in lieu of Fashion Week, which you can take a look at here.]

The models were started in hair and makeup at least three hours before the show, and there were number of a makeup artists and hair stylists involved in preparing such a huge number of models for the catwalk. Manicures, and pedicures were also done, and Bettjemans created luscious larger than life hair styles including a number of bouffants; a nod to Dynasty TV Series and the icons of the 80’s. The other fabulous style detail I LOVED were the coloured hair stencils, all individually spray painted on the model’s bouffants in mesh, rainbow, and flower patterns. Elements of 60’s nostalgia making it’s way throughout the styling. The creativity and skill demonstrated backstage was very impressive and complimented all the garments extremely well whilst being visible from the audience, an annual challenge.

Below, the backstage team including makeup artists from MAC cosmetics, Bettjemans, and the team at Loreal.

The Runway

Trelise Cooper made a beautiful appearance at the end of the show, to a hugely positive reception. The models showed their fun side, in an alternative to their usual runway walks. Many were smiling, skipping and twirling their way down the runway with exuberance. The Trelise Cooper show was a kaleidoscope of colour, upbeat and playful throughout the visuals and the music, and even Trelise beaming a beautiful smile as she made her way down the runway to rounds of applause. A night to remember!

Throughout the collections on display, there was a mixture of day wear, resort wear, and evening wear. Some of the most stunning creations of the night were Trelise’s gowns. My personal favourite was this black, plunging v-neck in mesh tulle, embellished with beads in the shape of bows. This piece reminds me a little of some of Channel’s archives, and it was particular standout also for it’s unison with the makeup of the night. Movement is a huge aspect of what makes a garment beautiful, and this gown was both fluid and full, every girl’s dream.

One of the notable features of Trelise’s recent work was the stunning embroidery and beadwork. This ‘Take me Places’ jacket for example, [which is part of the Spring 2019 Trelise Cooper collection] features the most delicate beading in a rainbow pattern across the entire piece. The styling for the show was superb. In this outfit I love the way the multicoloured theme is brought across the jacket, and echoed in the skirt.

Jewellery was equally a statement in addition to the garments. There were plenty of diamantes, sparkle and chunky earrings. Pearls and diamantes featured along with eye catching earrings, shoes, and accessories in bold colours across the spectrum.

This was one of my favourite looks. In the above outfit, the layering is beautiful and the shade of terracotta is one that stands out for the coming season. I felt that the model above brought this look to life completely, and encapsulated everything beautiful about the Trelise Cooper name. These deep purple suede heels with bows attached are a statement piece from the Spring 2019 Trelise Cooper collection, and I loved the shoe styling as well. Light mesh socks, and stockings made a feature, and I was drawn to all the outfits with socks and heels together. This combination is a fabulous upcoming trend to look forward to!

Also featured were many variations on unicorns, sequins, and holographic cheerful prints. The above distressed denim and sequin combination was a notable one, and I particularly liked the use of contrast across both fabrics. The way the sequins sparkled in the stage lights, and changed in colour from pink to blue as the model walked was dazzling.

Below, soft peach tones in both fur and sequins made it onto the runway in a delightful display of frivolity for the Spring 2019 Cooper collection, and the light cheerful tones were some of my favourites.

A number of garments were reminiscent of tapestries. With luxurious and intricate prints on fabrics ranging from a thick satin to soft and deep velvet. This velvet over the knee boots above, were some of my personal picks for their ruched but fitted design. Perfect for pins to show off!

Below, this dress and jacket somewhere in between lillac and soft pink were stunning on the runway. The classic deep pink heels made this outfit though, worn with socks in another example of this notable styling trend. This look was one of the more simple and less embellished outfits, with most pieces featuring highly detailed handwork, but the elegant tailoring no less impressive.

Colour blocking returns for 2019, shown in this example a deep pink coat paired with purple stockings and royal blue heels. The detailing on this coat above is what defines this garment for me. The blue in the floral design beading unites the blue with the shoes, keeping an innately pleasing aesthetic of a three tone colour palette.

Other creative design notes included cut out stencilled pieces, such as this above summer dress in what I presume was a white cotton blend. Simple A-line silhouettes made a strong appearance in combination with bold accessories.

Below is without a doubt the most exquisite piece of the evening. An array of multi-coloured beading embroidered onto a chiffon fitted dress with dainty bell sleeves. The embroidery created a range of stunning floral designs in a symmetrical pattern and fading down the sleeves from the shoulders. A display of both craftsmanship and uninhibited artistic vision.

Colour always attracts me, and this crochet long sleeve dress had me in love with it’s stunning simplicity and design. Rainbow stripes and gold boots, a beautiful piece on someone with a deeper complexion and this model wears it beautifully.

Towards the end of the evening, statement pieces like this sequin playsuit featured along with metallic boots. For those that cannot get enough sparkle! I love the design of this playsuit, the long sleeves having a little flare and moving beautifully down the runway. Pieces like these require little styling knowledge, as they require minimal accessories for maximum impact. A wardrobe staple!

The Final Walk

What would have no doubt been a significant challenge backstage during the show, was pulled off without a hitch! Trelise Cooper and her spectacular return to New Zealand Fashion Week 2018.

For enquiries regarding these images please contact me on my business email at: info@theundefined.co.nz for more information.