New Zealand is known for its love of black, a color that seems to define the nation's style. But Kathryn Wilson clearly missed that memo. Her debut catwalk show was anything but monochrome - a vibrant explosion of bold, exciting colors that ensured she stood out as far more than a first-time designer.
Wilson's collection was a nod to the eighties, the decade synonymous with bright, funky colors. The show’s black leotards paired with sky-high ponytails radiated that unmistakable eighties flair, with a soundtrack featuring none other than Michael Jackson to complete the retro vibe.
What made Wilson’s show truly remarkable was its variety. She seamlessly integrated an array of styles into a single cohesive collection, proving her skill in creating a unified aesthetic without sacrificing diversity.
For those who love their shoes sky-high, Wilson delivered an array of stunning stilettos in both pump and bootie styles. She also showcased charming wedges with playful cut-outs and peep-toes.
The shoes themselves were heavily embellished, featuring jewelry from Boh Runga’s Weapons of Mass Devotion collection draped around the shoes’ curves. The added bling was undeniably fun, though one might wonder if the dangling necklaces were accidents waiting to happen.
In the end, Wilson’s show taught me that a splash of color and some added height are the ingredients for the perfect winter shoe. It also revealed that while dressing models in simple leotards might focus a female viewer's attention on the footwear, it might have the opposite effect on the average heterosexual male.
