Fashion: Striking a Pose at NZFW
New Zealand Fashion Week is all about the who, what they're wearing and how they're wearing it. So like any self proclaimed fashion blogger you've got to be seen, on the scene, making a scene. Going into my first NZFW as a blogger I wanted make sure I was looking sharp but not overcooking it, just comfortably suave as you might put it.
Many of you will already know I'm very fond of and wear a great deal of garments from NZ brand Barkers, who are a true gentlemans' destination. So it was an easy decision to get a hold of some of Barkers' new Spring suiting they'd be showcasing during Fashion Week to ensure I was slick rick down at the shows.
In this new Spring season suit I'm wearing a striking two-piece that has some real personality and punch through the blue stripe detailing and grey tone. Too often when buying suits, we automatically revert to safe and sound colours, which is black, like your entire wardrobe. But with this piece it's a touch more bold and eye catching. Perfect if you want to step out, make a statement and be remembered or in other words, Fashion Week appropriate.
This Barkers suit is a result of a collaboration with a well renowned English fabric mill called Taylor & Lodge, who've got a rich history with premium suiting since 1883. The suit is woven from high-quality merino wool yarn, cut in a tailored fit, which is slimmer through the body and arms for a modern look. It also features a constructed layer of horsehair which the wool is stitched on to help the jacket contour to your body and drape naturally over time and forming a truly personalised fit. The entire Taylor & Lodge range also features a lining which is an anti-static, wrinkle resistant and breathable fabric.
For this day down at NZFW I chose to make it simple and clean for the shirting as the suit was already doing a lot of the heavy lifting for the entire look. If you're into it you could add a pocket square to the mix, which I really like but didn't have one on me aside from white. I've paired the suit with a soft looking light leather brown dress shoe and you may notice I've taken the brown cues from the shoe through to my Bailey Nelson frames.
Barkers x Taylor & Lodge Castle Hill Jacket
I like to think a suit separates the boys from the men. It's a demonstration of giving a shit about your appearance, how you pull yourself together and being serious about what you're doing. There should be at least two or three in your line up and if you've just checked your wardrobe and it ain't looking good, then Barkers really is your next stop. You can be in and out within 45mins and be fitted in a suit that can then be tailored more to specifically to you. It's worth it, trust me. You'll walk out with more confidence than you walked in with.
See you out there on the real scene.
jb
High fives to my friends at Showroom 22 for fitting me out in my new favourite suit and to Barkers for making it all happen.
My good friend and talented photographer Tori Hayley back behind the camera, be sure to check out all of her incredible work.