Feature: Catalyst At Air NZ Fashion Week

“Old meets new, masculine meets feminine, sporty meets pretty, silk meets tweed, plaid meets lace, matt meets shine… it’s a Beautiful Collision.”

Traditionally ultra-feminine, Catalyst flirted with the use of more masculine cuts and styles. I loved the wide leg man-style pants with large cuffs and subtle piping along pocket edges. Such styles were matched with feminine camisoles, tunics and cardigans.

Fabrics too were mixed up – sporty tweeds, masculine checks, marle jersey knits and pinstripes collided with soft and chic fabrics to soften the silhouette. Lace and velvet were liberally used giving texture and depth.

Pleating, tucking and corset detailing was used throughout the collection on the bust of tops and dresses. Delicate fabric belts with frayed edges were a feature as were silk belts bowed under the bust.

There was a slight ‘60s feel with short, boxy jackets, oversized buttons, shirtdresses and tunics. Cropped boxy jackets were matched with pencil and tulip shaped skirts creating a flattering line.

Shorts were, as usual, the staple of the Catalyst range and came in every length – tweed with large cuffs made a statement without being over-the-top. A subdued, sophisticated colour palette was used with grey the key, along with black, white, green, chocolate and hints of cherry red.

Outfits were styled with polkadot arm-warmers and socks worn under patent leather stilettos.

Catalyst’s Winter 2007 collection was developed from the fusion of opposites and the result is a flirtatious, individual, and youthful style.

Pia Christiansen

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