Le Bon Ton: Shine Bright Into The New Year With Rollicking Party Looks

By Dan Ahwa
Viva
Photo / Mara Sommer


Breaking museFrivolity and fun set the tone for any festive occasion. If campy froth was a dress, then this neon yellow ruffled ballerina number would be a strong contender. Aje dress $685. KJ Beckett opera gloves $32. Jennifer Behr velvet bow barrette approx. $250.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

Face timeA final touch-up before a grand entrance in a dress that balances whimsy and sophistication. Try a pre-loved treasure you can update with elegant accessories and a gorgeous lip colour. Victor Costa dress, $369, from Painted Bird Vintage. Anoushka Van Rijn earrings $199. Lack of Color hat approx. $140. Mi Piaci heels $260.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

The beatFranco Moschino's legacy is statement clothing that encourages the wearer not to take life too seriously especially relevant during times of uncertainty. This archival look, Moschino's Cheap & Chic dress, famously worn by The Nanny's Fran Drescher at the 1997 Kids' Choice Awards still holds its own today, finding a home at one of Aotearoa's beloved vintage stores, Hunters & Collectors in Wellington. Moschino Cheap & Chic dress, $1250, from Hunters & CollectorsMeadowlark hoop earrings $2219. KJ Beckett opera gloves $39. Ksubi leather jacket $765.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

Riot girlA posh taffeta frock and devil-may-care attitude is an intoxicating mix for a rollicking good time. This vintage Jinty's of London dress works just as well buttoned-up to a pie-crust collar or unfastened to expose a decolletage festooned with your favourite jewels. Jinty's of London vintage dress, $80, from Welcome Back Slow Fashion. Belinda Green Millinery headpiece (POA), or $75 (to hire). Vintage earrings, $29, from Painted Bird Vintage. Isla Risa bag, $229, from Ruby. Bellamagia pantyhose, $26, from Smith & Caughey's (worn throughout). Anine Bing heels, $579, from Sisters & Co.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

Make a splashPower shoulders and a thigh-grazing hemline make a surprising energy booster even better in a colour that packs a punch, like this shocking pink design from Blair Wheeler. BW 36.174 dress $975. Vintage earrings, $69, from Painted Bird Vintage. Ruby necklace $29.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

The savoir faireFor those special occasions where a little more decorum is required, a black base is the perfect backdrop for knockout accessories. Gucci polo neck top $1515. Tansy top $245. Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. small bone cuff in 18k yellow gold with green jade, $42,800 each. Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Cabochon ring in 18k yellow gold with green jade, $8350 (large) and $7400 (small). Vintage Patrick Steel Couture skirt, $189, and vintage earrings, $129, from Painted Bird Vintage. Belinda Green Millinery hat (POA), or $90 to hire.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

State of independenceThe glamour of a full monochromatic look will never cease to inspire. This houndstooth print magnified onto silk teams well with a pair of classic dinner trousers and heels, a formula plucked straight from the nostalgic style book of ladies who lunched like Babe Paley and Nan Kempner. Cin cin! Sweepstake Winners top $229. Ruby trousers $269. Vintage belt (POA) from Painted Bird VintageAje earrings $225. Belinda Green Millinery hat (POA), or $80 to hire.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

Downtown divaFrom hip house parties in obscure hot-spots to summer festivals in the middle of nowhere, one can only dream. For now, a playful ensemble is a good way to get into a festive state of mind. Local maker Ariane Ilagan's pop-tastic take on the traditonal craft form of crochet is realised in groovy tops, playful mini skirts and fun cardigans. This halter neck top from her label AriCrochet is handmade by Ariane herself, contrasting perfectly with a pair of vintage leather trousers. AriCrochet top (POA)Vintage leather trousers, $95, and sunglasses, $45, from Go Jo Recycled Clothing Store. Anoushka Van Rijn earrings $259.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

Uptown funkOn the other side of town, colour-blocking panels is another ideal way to add joy to a party look this top and skirt combo from Gucci is an elegant silhouette with the added drama of diaphanous sleeves that billow in the breeze. Gucci blouse with detachable white cotton shirt collar $2525 and skirt $1605. Anoushka Van Rijn earrings $199.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

The future starts nowIn the heat of a summer's day and into the night, shine bright in a metallic look that will get the party started. Stolen Girlfriends Club dress $329. Ruby earrings $25.

Photo / Mara Sommer
Photo / Mara Sommer

Pop and circumstanceTies are becoming increasingly obsolete these days, but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate the flourish of colour they can offer an outfit. From video conference meetings in the daytime to after-work drinks, the swift addition of a playful jacket, multi-coloured baseball cap and statement earrings is a one-way ticket out of squaresville. Pump up the volume! Harris Tapper shirt $369. Barkers tie $70. Vintage leather trousers, $95, from Go Jo Recycled Clothing Store. World cap $99. Anoushka Van Rijn earrings $249. Merchant 1948 heels $210. Cornelia James gloves $302.

Photographer / Mara Sommer. Fashion director / Dan Ahwa. Model + Hair and make-up / Tia Harris. Photographer's assistant / Josh Szeto.

This photoshoot was originally published in Viva Magazine – Volume Six.

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