Zambesi 40 years

One of my earliest fashion memories is being given a Zambesi paper bag, cut down the sides and opened up. I would hide under the clothing racks and draw on the inside of the bags while my Mother looked thru the store.I must have been around 3 or 4...

I'm not going to lie it made me emotional seeing to see all these looks coming down the runway some of which I've seen Mum wear as I've grown up. My childhood in clothing form so to speak.

Then the shock as faces I knew started walking down the runway, Jo Mickelborough, Sammy Salsa, Stan Walker, to name a few. So many people and models who have worked with Zambesi over these past 40 years walked down the runway and made it all feel so familiar.

Zambesi has, without a doubt, shaped my little life but mostly the life of the New Zealand fashion industry. I felt so lucky to be there to see it.

Of the 100 or so looks these are my favourites...

Words and Images Madeleine Brighouse-Mayo