Tucked away in an underground bunker (carpark) in Avondale on Friday night, some 1200 people gathered to watch Stolen Girlfriends Club debut their final collection of 2022 at the “Ode to Avondale” fashion event, the biggest local runway show of the year. It also felt like the welcome return of big, old-school fashion shows and after parties, following two years of NZFW cancellations and Covid.

A giant LED screen with a scrolling message set the crowd’s expectations: "STOLEN GIRLFRIENDS CLUB WILL MOVE YOU AND FILL YOU WITH A FEELING OF DEEP PEACE. WE HOPE YOUR TIME HERE WILL BE PLEASANT AND YOUR MEMORIES WILL LAST FOREVER." 

The crowd roared with excitement when the thumping of the music and blaring lights started to surround the bunker. Soft pink hues and metallic glomesh stomped down the runway first, then came black graffiti that was woven into a delicate white lace, croc embossed leather and metal spikes. It was unmistakably SGC. 

Guests definitely got the rock ‘n roll memo - as the show came to an end, a sea of leather, lace and skin spilled out to the gravel carpark turned after party festival arena. A giant disco ball illuminated the space, and beats from Kédu Carlö, Cassettes for Kids, Andy Heartthrob, Daffodils and You kept everyone dancing well into the night. The Batched x Stolen Girlfriends Club espresso martinis didn't hurt either.

Photographer Abigail Dell’Avo was there with her camera in tow, capturing the hot after party looks.

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