Shrouded statement

Wellington designer Alexandra Owen, 28, sent models down this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week catwalk wearing knit shrouds and fencing masks. Styleite writes: “Perhaps the masks were intended as commentary on the lack of diversity in the industry, or perhaps to underscore the idea that models are just breathing, walking hangers and you should be focusing on the clothes — not their doll-like features. Or maybe she just liked them.” The Huffington Post’s Lesley M. M. Blume described Owen’s recent New York debut: “Like American greats Donna Karan, Tory Burch, and Maria Cornejo, she falls into that especially revered category of ‘real women designing for real women’. ‘I design for working women who want to appear feminine without compromising their dignity,’ says Owen, whose edgy but sophisticated apparel will appeal to ladies of all ages. In regard to both the presentation and the collection: it’s nice that Owen has given fashionable grown-ups a place to go, while the kiddies have their playtime elsewhere. We look forward to seeing more of her.”