Kiwi international model launches new NZ label

New NZ high end urban fashion label Brooklyn Zoo partnered with Culet jewellery to launch “Brooklynism” 2011 winter collection on Monday night at Sale St. Special wild card guest was Kiwi born international fashion model Michael Whittaker.

Michael has shot for some of the world’s most famous fashion magazines. He has walked for the likes of Dior, Diesel, Ducky Brown and Calvin Klein on the most converted runways in the world - Fashion Week in Paris, Milan and New York.

On Monday night guests were greeted with live jazz, host Shortland Street star Ido Drent and a live performance by Sony signed artist Seth Haapu. The event was invite only and exclusively for media, fashion buyers and fashionista’s.

For the first time ever the prestigious Dallow’s restaurant located at the back of Sale St hidden by a black velvet curtain was converted into a runway. Over 200 guests were guessing where the runway show would be held. The industrial beams, brick and big black lamps were the perfect backdrop for the New York Brooklyn inspired collection. The models were accessorised with Culet pendants and walked to the song “Brooklyn we go hard” by Jay Z.

“The clothing on the runway itself was eye-catching and innovative. What made this collection of consistently edgy pieces interesting for me, were the appealing and fresh shapes (as seen on the men's t-shirt pockets, as well as the cut of the women's and men's sweaters and men's pants). For girls it was black leggings, paired with grey, loose-fitting, sweaters, or black-on-black with slouchy, printed, t-shirts. The men’s' range featured pants that were in keeping with the current harem-pant trend, presenting these in blacks and greys, in a multitude of different, winter-weather-appropriate fabrics.

Street wear is often difficult to demonstrate in a runway show, but Brooklyn Zoo surpassed expectations in a sophisticated yet cutting-edge fashion, leaving guests thoroughly impressed.

One industry-specialist commented that, "the men's styles presented took a different direction to what was expected, with plenty of low-cut tees, and one particularly spectacular coat - perfect for the coming winter months"” said fashion blogger Lena Aseeva from snapstar.co.nz.

Norrie Montgomery from the A-list also attended and featured the event on thealist.co.nz rating it a 9/10.

The 23 year old New Zealand Designer Joel Williams is working with a team of expert manufacturers and fabric suppliers that service some of New Zealand's biggest names such as Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, Storm, Stolen Girlfriends Club and Zambesi.

After being obsessed with the Empire City Joel ventured into the creation of his new high end label "Brooklyn Zoo" and his 2011 Winter collection "Brooklynism". After working tirelessly day & night the hard work paid off as spectators were impressed and taken back with the sophistication and excellence of the event and collection of Brooklyn Zoo’s big debut.

You can purchase online at the Brooklyn Husstle store thebrooklynhustle.storenvy.com Check out new website brooklynzoo.co.nz.

Thanks to Culet Jewellery, Luke Dallow of Sale St, Seth Haapu, Natalie Chloe PR & Events, Margaret.J.Makeup,Bianca Dyer Photography & VnC Cocktails.

Photo credit: Norrie Montgomery thealist.co.nz & Max Lemeshenko SnapStar.co.nz