By Margaret Lewis

The collection | "Halycon"

A crowded show - standing room only, driven undoubtedly not just by a designer consistently delivering but also by the recognition of Cybele's winning the Air New Zealand Fashion Export Development Award. Her collection, inspired by kingfishers building their nests on the surface of the ocean - started with a muted palette of steely greys and creams then introduced shades of teal and mustard that flowed, draped and billowed, featuring sleeves that fly and tie.Definitely a collection that will travel and Cybele surely will put her $15,000 travel prize to great use extending her export markets.

Background Cybele is perhaps best described by RunwayReporter.com as "providing thinking women everywhere with clothes that are in equal measures original, clever, pretty, sexy and very much of the moment." Halycon is Cybele's 13th collection to date. Not distracted by obvious trends, each collection is defined by distinctive custom prints [designed in-house], innovative cuts and a striking use of pattern. Cybele's style is youthful and directional, feminine with a bold graphic edge.

Being there Hot, hot, hot - who was dumb enough to wear wool? It was sweltering hot in the tent and I wished for T-shirt and jeans or at least some cotton. Fashion Week means heaps of standing in queues and thankfully no heels really pays off, so does having a seat!

Photo by Michael Ng/Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008

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