6 styling hacks we learned from the iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019

3 April 2019
By Fashion Quarterly

Let these styling hacks from the runway at the iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 inspire your own look.

This March, a cool and creative bunch of 27 young designers made their way to Dunedin for the iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 from the UK, USA, Japan and beyond… Held in the intricate Regent Theatre, 2019’s show saw the awards celebrate their 15th year. Brimming with colour, texture and surprises, the looks reject commercial restraints and use fashion to respond to what’s happening in the world around them. References ranged from social media to abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko to Ethiopia’s Omo Valley.

Read on for some quick tricks to bring a little rebellious spirit into your wardrobe.


1.Experiment with a sweeping silhouette

As seen at: Amy Louise Redford / @amylouiseredford
Prepare to sashay through the day by pairing your favourite slouchy sweater with a maxi dress or skirt. Sneakers will do the trick, or try out boots or glitzy heels for extra height.

iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 Amy Louise Redford_1000x1500


2. Tuck, layer and play

As seen at: Anna Petry / @ann.annpetry
Come winter, why not try out tucking your trousers into boots? If it’s good enough for Maryam Nassir Zadeh, it’s good enough for us. Bonus points for the additional layer of a bumbag secured around your waist – Zambesi is offering up the chicest of the season.

iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 Anna Petry_1000x1500


3. Madhatter, but make it chic

As seen at: Dayun Lee / @acente.official
If you’re wanting to pull off the sculptural hat trend, look no further. It’s all about balance – party up the top, business down the bottom. Keep your colour palette tight, textures refined and silhouette clean.

iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 Dayun Lee_1000x1500


4. Mash-up your eveningwear

As seen at: Krizia Jimenez / @kriziajimenez
Next time an occasion calls for something glitzy, ditch the dress and go for artfully combined separates. Pick a hero colour and mix textures galore. If that’s all too much, dip your toe in with a handheld evening bag in a surprising shape.

iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 Krizia Jimenez_1000x1500


5. Sporty, but don’t forget the spice

As seen at: Lavinia Ilolahia / @laviniailolahia
Opposites really do attract. Clash a feminine pleated skirt with a sporty top for an unexpected combo that’s surprisingly chic. You’ll be going from the gym to drinks in no time…

iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 Lovinia Ilolahia_1000x1500


6. Go short ‘n sweet

As seen at: Xiaoping Huang / @xiaoping_fiona_huang
Feeling bold? Micro-lengths paired with boots (or in this case, chaps) that hit above the knee is a 60s combo making a comeback. Add a cosy cape and opaque tights for extra wearability.

iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019

Words: Danielle Clausen
Photos: Chris Sullivan/iD Dunedin

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