Hi Everyone,
New Zealand versus Europe on the fashion front is a topic that has been very dear to my heart for most of my life. Or one could say a topic that has consumed me ever since I was 18 or even younger.
Growing up in New Zealand to “very” European parents I realised at a young age that style was a very different concept in Europe as opposed to New Zealand. As a child what you could buy in Europe far exceeded any possibilities in New Zealand. Today this is certainly far less of an issue and yet the basic differences in style remain.
Perhaps it is more of a mind issue. A conclusion I come to when thinking of my dear Italian friends today. They seem to have style engraved in their DNA. Whilst in New Zealand we have famous women such as Katherine Mansfield (author), Jean Batton (pilot) and more. However looking stylish was never number one on the list. Which of course does not mean we never liked to consider ourselves as being stylish – smile.
Not sure I am able to articulate myself properly here but what I am trying to say is that the country itself consumes you so much that there is not much space left for pretty lipstick and heels. All this also has an impact when it comes to fashion.
Keep reading for more about: ” New Zealand versus Europe on the Fashion Front”.
New Zealand versus Europe on the Fashion Front
New Zealanders have a style of their own. The fashionistas of the country will always be seen dressed simply (often in black during Summer and simple jeans with white t-shirt during winter), with utmost style “sensa” makeup. Traditionally it is not so cool to wear heels going out. However everyone needs a pair in case you leave the country.
Having said all of this I will still stipulate that both New Zealand and Australia designs are in the forefront of the World when it comes to Summer fashion today. The difference being in how it is styled. Antipidean’s will style anything with Adidas, Converse or even simple running shoes. Europeans on the other hand tend to stick to pretty heels or sandals in Summer.
So you have my New Zealand look of the day, basically no make up, running shoes and slip dress… All childhood memories flooding back as I enjoy the subtle freedoms of true New Zealand style.
Favourite NZ/Australian designers::
Subscribe to Blog via Email
Sign up for the FunkyForty newsletter for regular Fashion and Lifestyle updates!
Hi dear Yvonne thank you for your blog it is always interesting to reed about fashion and different styles and Ideas thank you
Hi Yvonne. Enjoyed your piece on NZ fashion and as a New Zealander, I agree with your appraisal of NZ fashion.
We need more colour and we are slowly learning from European Fashion and their ‘forever’ use of vibrant colours. Stunning!
Kind regards
Marie
Auckland, NZ.
Hi Marie,
Happy 2023… thanks so much for your comment.
Love, Yvonne xxx
Hi Yvonne. I was thinking about your comment regarding Kiwis wearing heels. Maybe the effects of a childhood going barefoot changes the shape of our feet? I think that we generally have much wider feet than Europeans, so have difficulty finding comfortable shoes let alone ones with heels!
Hi Rae,
You could be right…do you think the kids today still wear barefoot like us?
xxx
This kiwi style is just killing my eyes as a european. People ask me if they have no Internet. Looks like the time stoped in 1982.