It's been a minute since we last went backstage at a fashion show in Aotearoa (circa 2019, if memory serves us). While Australia has been enjoying regular fashion weeks, across the ditch, Kiwis haven't been so lucky. Thankfully NZFW is back on the agenda this year, and while it may be a few months away, sweet angel Benjamin Alexander decided to get the party started early with a show last week at the infamous Webb's Auction House.
We asked our pal Sophia Doak to head along to capture the action both BTS and front of house, and Auckland delivered... from dreamy musical duo Clementine Valentine resplendent in metallic dresses to green satin and feathers backstage and, of course, cute people watching the show. Flick through the gallery above for some sartorial inspiration, and then say hi to Benjamin as he rounds up his collection below.
How would you describe your label in a sentence?
Clothing that is designed for both you and your future grandchildren to enjoy.
Did you have a particular person in mind when designing this collection?
Probably my sister and business partner, Alishia - she knows how to wear BA across all seasons, mixing items from Season One all the way through to Number 08.
If your fashion week collection was...
A colour: Military green
A song: 'Time and Tide' - Clementine Valentine (Purple Pilgrims)
A food: My partner's sourdough
A mood: Relaxed
A place: My home
A famous person: SJP
The last time we hung out backstage with you was back in 2019; what has changed since then?
We've certainly grown as a business, however, the way we operate and our outlook on fashion has stayed the same. We've learnt to relax and take everything as it comes, particularly coming out the other end of the COVID pandemic. I guess what has changed the most is that the BA family has grown!
And what's to come for the future of BA?
To keep moving forward, whatever that may look like.
Features Editor: Chloe Hill Photos: Sophia Doak