Zambesi's New Zealand Fashion Week show this year was one for the history books, with an audience lining Tāmaki Makaurau's Viaduct Harbour and a sparking front row of beautiful faces (hiii Teeks, Mana Mackay and Rain & China Katayanagi).
While everyone outside enjoyed the sunny weather and champagne, we were getting amongst the action backstage. And boy, was there a lot of action — proof below!
When the dust had settled and the dazzling array of models had a chance to sit down, we asked them to tell us about the show — and their busy week...
Name:
Anysha Rees-Webbe
Star sign: Taurus
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
My look was one of the highlights of my week. I wore a sleeveless dress with heaps of accessories, which made it a really cool look. I wore mesh gloves, sunglasses and a low-waisted belt, which I loved.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
This runway was outside, so the first thought I had was when I first stepped out and realised it was really cold.
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Lollies. Best and easiest snacks to fit in your bag.
How do you pass the time when waiting around before a show?
Talking to other models backstage. I don't see them regularly, so when we are doing the same show, it's always nice to catch up.
If Fashion Week was a song, what would it be:
'All Eyes On You' feat. Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Sitting in bed looking at photos and videos from the past week that other people have taken. I like seeing what the week was like from other people's perspective and content from the crowd's point of view.
Name: Hyesun Moon
Star sign: Capricorn
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
I had this beautiful navy jacket styled with the same fabric shorts and, a collar, and sheer pink thigh-high socks! The jacket and shorts billowed in the breeze, and the overall silhouette gave a soft, structured look.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
*Look straight, look straight, look straight, don’t wander your eyes*
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Chocolate bars and cut-up fruit, anything that you don’t have to bite into or will get stuck in your teeth!
How do you pass the time when waiting around before a show?
Talk around, and go on my phone…
If Fashion Week was a song, what would it be:
'We’re All In This Together' - HSM Cast.
Meme/Tiktok/YouTube video that sums up the week:
The morning waddle.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
A looooooooong hot shower (with a clarifying shampoo) and a nice warm bed to pass out on! + ice cream, Whittakers Almond Gold and Modern Family.
Name: Scarlet Jack
Star sign: Cancer
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
I wore a flowy dark blue midi dress, which was paired with a low-waisted belt, chunky boots and a thin black choker, which my hair was tucked into. This look really captured the classy yet edgy vibe, which Zambesi is so iconic for, and I felt great wearing it.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
I tell myself to keep cool confident and just strut!
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Homemade banana bread is always a go-to for the snack pack.
How do you pass the time when you are waiting around before a show?
Chatting to new people and making connections makes the time fly by, and by doing this, I have met some really cool people backstage and gained some great tips from makeup artists and hairdressers.
If Fashion Week was a song, what would it be:
'Groovejet' by Spiller - I feel like it sums up the energy and excitement of the week.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Reconnecting with nature and letting my creativity flow through my artistic hobbies helps to ground me after the busyness of Fashion Week. Also, a candle, face mask, and an old movie will forever be a winning combo to help switch off.
Name: Isabella Moore
Star sign: Leo
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
I wore a black mesh body con maxi dress with a cut-out. It was super comfortable and hugged my curves just right! It made me feel really cool and sexy. It was paired with matching mesh socks, silver/gray havaiana platform handles and a thin silver waist belt.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
Having specific thoughts behind your eyes really affects the energy that you bring to the runway. These change depending on the designer and the vibe of the show. For Zambesi, being a powerhouse label in the NZ fashion industry, I was channelling: “I own this runway”, “I’m fierce”, and “SLAAAAAY”.
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
I had a little stash of toffee pops this year! Haha! But I also love having cashew nuts on hand.
How do you pass the time when you are waiting around before a show?
I’m quite chatty… so I end up just talking the time away. I love meeting the other models, the hair and makeup teams and all the people who work hard behind the scenes to make the shows what they are.
If Fashion Week was a song what would it be:
'Heated' by Beyoncé (or any RuPaul song could work… lol 👀💁🏽♀️)
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
I have to take a minute to come down from the high that is Fashion Week. I’m always a little sad when it all comes to an end. I need a couple days to just blob, watch netflix, and spend time with family to unwind.
Name: Meike van Roij
Star sign: Pisces
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
My look had a backless top and long flowing pants, the fabric of which was beautifully crafted and matched Michael’s shirt. I also wore a pair of Zambesi’s (epic!) visor glasses.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
Am I walking too fast?
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Wasabi peas.
How do you pass the time when you are waiting around before a show?
I read. The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood was my choice for the week.
If Fashion Week was a song what would it be:
'Voodoo Chile' by Jimi Hendrix. It's long, unpredictable and electric.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Michael and I had a drink and enjoyed, as he put it, “the sunset, smells of brine and happy hour sides”.
Name: Michael
Whittaker
Star sign: Aries
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
A translucent dress shirt with buttons at the collar, a skinny belt with an elongated silver buckle, Zambesi dress pants and Archive Zambesi dress shoes.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
One foot in front of the other. Keeping an engaged but not overly severe look on my face. It is always interesting to eavesdrop on people's remarks as you walk by.
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Anything I can get my hands on. How do you pass time when you are waiting around before a show? Read. Listen to the the excited chatter. Reminisce.
If Fashion Week was a song what would it be:
My first fashion week coincided with 'Gold Lion' by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. So the two are always correlated in my head.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Meike and I went and unwound together at a nearby bar. Then it was back to regular running programming for me.
Name: Kiki Mdawarima
Star sign: Cancer/Leo cusp
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
Super dope cargo set, tied in together by a silver belt and some bougie cowboy boots.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
Surprisingly, I thought that I would be very conscious while I was walking, but I then came to find that even the walk I practised wasn’t how I actually walked when I started and if someone was actually to stand in front of me and wave I probably wouldn’t see them.
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
I don’t normally snack while I am shooting, but if I were to have anything, it would be aqua.
How do you pass the time when you are waiting around before a show?
Chat to others, get more involved with the people who help put the shows together. If not that probably stand there and dance to myself. Get lost with it.
If Fashion Week was a song, what would it be:
'Pink & White' by Frank Ocean.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Have some gorgeous food, get clean and cosy, completely tap out of anything fashion-wise and indulge in my partner's company.
Name: Troi Atkins
Star sign: Capricorn
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
My look was made up using 3 separate pieces we layered to create a unique dress that could be worn so many different ways!
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
I tap into the energy of the crowd & the music, & just focus on matching that energy in my walk.
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Green tea + Charcuterie Platers by The Park Hyatt = life.
How do you pass the time when you are waiting around before a show?
You’ll find me capturing all the special moments on my camera or my vintage camcorder & having a kiki with everyone backstage!
If Fashion Week was a song what would it be: 'Cover Girl' by RuPaul ofc….
Meme/Tiktok/YouTube video that sums up the week: Probably that video of Tommy Cash at the Y Project Show wearing a bed in the front row.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Sleep for 14 hours then head to Aesop to treat myself with some new skin care!
Name: Sin Jun
Star Sign: Capricorn
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
Grey suit shirtless AND drawstring bag and white sneaks.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
I'm just thinking about the music and if I'm walking at a suitable speed. But also having a confident mindset and just feeling the moment.
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Some fruit and crackers. Definitely stay hydrated tho.
How do you pass the time when you are waiting around before a show?
Chatting with other models and snacking on whatever there is. Just chilling really and even getting your nails done.
If Fashion Week was a song what would it be?
'Golden Hour' by JVKE.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Go home get some rest and grab dinner with the fam and celebrate Father's Day.
Name: Mia Scantlebury
Star sign: Capricorn
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
My outfit included a few different layers, I was wearing a matching button up and mini skirt, over a mint cami and flowy top. As well as these cool silver boots and a matching belt.
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
Most of the time my mind just goes blank and then it’s somehow over haha, but most of the time I’m just thinking about walking to the beat and not falling over!
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
I find the Noshu protein bars and a nut mix is the best way to keep me going and give me that burst of energy that is much needed.
How do you pass the time when you are waiting around before a show?
Normally talking to the other models and team behind the scenes.
If Fashion Week was a song what would it be:
'Labels Or Love' by Fergie of course!
Meme/Tiktok/YouTube video that sums up the week:
Today drained me.
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Catching up on lots of sleep and getting back into my routine.
Name: Kaleb
Star Sign: Gemini
Tell us about the look you wore for the Zambesi show:
I wore a full ensemble of gorgeous pink! With a beautiful long coat synched together with a tie, paired with a beautiful pink mesh shirt and pink shorts. Obsessed!!!
What goes through your head as you’re walking the runway?
The moment I step foot on the runway the first thought that comes into my head is to make sure I give it my absolute all. Serving  confidence and slaying with every step!
Best snack to have on hand backstage:
Apples! I brought 3 along with me for the day :).
How do you pass time when you are waiting around before a show?
I like to pass the time by getting to know all the models and team working on the show! It’s such an amazing environment being surrounded by so many creative individuals, the time seems to fly by catching up with one another :).
If Fashion Week was a song what would it be?
'Fierce' - Azealia Banks
Meme/Tiktok/YouTube video that sums up the week:
One video that immediately comes to mind is the one of Lady Gaga in an interview saying No sleep! Bus, club, another club, another club!
How do you switch off once Fashion Week wraps?
Once Fashion Week had wrapped I switched off by getting lots of well-needed rest at home!
Photos & Feature: Chloe Hill
