If there was ever the stereotype that emerging shows were all bravado and raw hemlines, this contemplative pairing of designers proved there’s plenty of charm in well-made clothes that traded Brat energy with some renditions of jazz standards and Amy Winehouse. Opening the night’s show was a spellbinding mini concert that stopped the audience in its tracks.

Summer dresses, coquettish-looking miniskirts matched with striped tops overlayed with bikini tops in the same fabrics indicated a whimsical design aesthetic that both Pōneke-based Emma Muir of Rhoda Nunn and Ōtepoti/Meaanjin-based designer George Oliver Park have both developed - and on this occasion, expertly complemented on another in a seamless showcase.

One look - a pale blue cowl-neck halter top matched with a drawstring, red and pink striped midi skirt and red mules - was described by my seat neighbour Jess Molina as a look reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw “even down to the way she walks”.

From culottes featuring an additional peplum to the clever trompe-l’œil effect of string bikinis patched on to fitted T-shirts, to be able to tie humour into a collection of well-made cotton separates, denim outerwear and even a red leather skirt with fringing detail, showcased a confidence that will serve both these designers well if they choose to make a living from these clothes - because people will buy them.

Words by Dan Ahwa