Wellington Biennial has wrapped but the memories live on, and what better way to celebrate what locals will tell you (with zero hesitation) is the best city in the world, than by getting some out-of-town models to confirm it.
We went backstage before Yu Mei's super chic Salon Yu Mei show on Saturday to shoot every look and all the very good bags. Then we slid into Ngāhuia, Holly Rose, Alaina and Izzy's DMs to get the full lowdown on how the out-of-town models actually spent their Wellington weekend – the food, the coffee, the chaos of show prep, and whether they packed enough.
Read all their answers below, then get cosy with the collection itself up above. There's rich, warm colour, chocolate brown knitwear and sugary hits of pink, intricate golden buttons embedded with sparkles, and bags so good Izzy would have walked off with hers if she could.
A sweet situation and in the words of Holly Rose: "My bank account is about to be in trouble!"
Name: Ko Ngāhuia Williams tōku ingoa.
Nō Te Tai Tokerau ahau
Star sign: Ko Capricorn tōku tohu kōkōrangi.
What's the first thing you did when you landed in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara?
Landing in Te Whanganui a Tara this weekend the first thing I did was explore the secondhand stores in the center of town. The central area is so easy to move round and get lost in the culture of the city.
Favourite spot to eat kai: Ortega Fish Shack.
Thoughts on the Yu Mei show:
The Yu Mei collection that was shown at Common Material yesterday was elegant, chic and timeless. I loved the skirts. The shapes were perfect, high in the waist, and all rich in colour. The whole show was beautiful!
And the people that make up Aotearoa's capital city?
Wellingtonians are unique, open and creative by nature so I enjoy being in the presence of any tāngata o Pōneke especially on their home whenua.
Three words you think of when in this city:
Soulful, creative & windy. 🌬️
Name: Holly Rose Emery
Star sign: Gemini 😇
Did you pack checked luggage or just carry on and was it enough?
I was very tempted to bring a checked bag as I love to have lots of options but I managed to exercise some restraint and kept it to a carry on which surprisingly did the trick!
What’s the first thing you did when you landed in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara?
See the Cuba Street buckets, I don’t know why I’m so obsessed with them, I’ve heard they’re quite divisive but for me it’s not a real trip to Wellywood without seeing them.
Did you get any time to explore the city or was it all show prep?
I flew down the day before the shows so got to stroll around the city for a couple of hours before the opening night festivities began. Even in the rain walking around was lovely. I made sure to stop into as many vintage stores as I could- picking up the cutest knit balaclava to keep my head warm and dry. I also made sure to check out the harbour, it really is the most magical view. How lucky we are to live in Aotearoa.
Best food/coffee you had while in town?
I had a cold brew from Swimsuit it was delicious! Remembering it now whilst answering these questions I feel sad I won’t be able to have one tomorrow morning.
Best food had to be from Ortega Fish Shack, what an incredible meal! The vibe there was also perfect. The fish toastie surprised me in the best way possible – will also be dreaming about when I get to have it again.
First thought when you saw the Yu Mei collection?
The colours! The tailoring! The details! My bank account is about to be in trouble! Were a few of my first thoughts.
It was such a special collection and you can just tell there was so much love and thought that went into every single piece. I feel very lucky to have been a part of the show!
What can’t Jessie and the team at Yu Mei do!?
If you could pick just one piece you wore in the Yu Mei show to add to your wardrobe, which would it be and why?
JUST ONE?!
I guess if I had to narrow it down…
my first choice would be the pink knit I wore in my first look – I haven’t seen a colour like it, truly the perfect pink as well as a great shape/ fit!
And because it would be a shame to not mention a bag, my wardrobe is calling out for the bag from my second look. I felt unbelievably cool carrying her. Great size, great shape, great colour, no notes!
Favourite person/people you caught up with while in town?
Ahh I definitely couldn’t pick any favourites because I had such a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends as well as meeting new ones.
Wellington in three words: WELCOMING, WHIMSICAL, WINDY (DUH)
Name: Alaina
Star sign: Libra!!
Did you pack checked luggage or just carry on and was it enough?
I just brought my carry on with me which was plenty as I just needed my essentials with me for the day!
What’s the first thing you did when you landed in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara?
First thing I did when we landed was get a coffee to give me a boost after the early start.
First thought when you saw the Yu Mei collection?
Gorgeous!! Loved the coats, and color palette of both the bags and the clothes, obsessed with all the green.
If you could pick just one piece you wore in the Yu Mei show to add to your wardrobe, which would it be and why?
My favourite piece I wore was the black long sleeve, loved the high neck and the sleeves were such a good feature, long, with a flare!
Favourite person/people you caught up with while in town?
Was super nice to catch up and spend the day with Izzy!!
Sum up the city in three words: Creative, historical, fun 🫶🏽🫶🏽
Name: Izzy Cowdell
Star sign: Aquarius
Did you pack checked luggage or just carry on and was it enough?
I packed all my show essentials in my go-to work bag, so luckily just that. It’s been around the world with me, and can fit my whole life!
What’s the first thing you did when you landed in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara?
We were straight into show prep. Luckily, we had time for a wander after the shows. Got to see the beautiful harbour.
Best kai you had while in town?
I was lucky enough to shoot Yu Mei’s look book earlier in the week. Milly at Yu Mei got me her favourite salad for lunch from Dilly Dally. It was delicious!
First thought when you saw the Yu Mei collection?
My first thought when I saw the Yu Mei collection was beautiful tailoring, and details. A few looks featured intricate golden buttons. It was clear so much hard work and care had gone into the collection.
If you could pick just one piece you wore in the Yu Mei show to add to your wardrobe, which would it be and why?
I would pick the beautiful taupe mini bag I wore in my first look. It was so chic, and reminds me of 90’s simple perfection.
Favourite person/people you caught up with while in town?
Backstage catchups are always special. Being down in Wellington I got to see familiar faces, and make new friends. Seeing Chloe backstage is also always fab as well - especially when overseas!
Wellington in three words:
Dynamic, welcoming, creative!
Photos & Feature: Chloe Hill
