KATHRYN WILSON IN VIVA
August 20, 2026
Viva
" IT'S KATHRYN WILSON'S WORLD, WE'RE JUST LIVING IN IT. "
It’s Kathryn Wilson’s world, we’re just living in it. The eponymous footwear designer danced the night away with the debut of her new collection, Let’s Dance.
An elevated, glossy white runway took centre stage inside Shed 10, letting the shoes shine.
My seatmate happened to be Liam Taylor, husband of Kathryn Wilson and NZFW executive director. If he hadn’t directed my attention toward the tiered podium mid-runway, I might have missed lights-up on the opening act.
A troupe of dancers made a splash in pink ruffled caps and burgundy pinup-esque swimsuits, performing a “synchronised swim” routine to Tina Turner’s rendition of David Bowie’s Let’s Dance (with giant pink stilettos as props). I couldn’t help but notice their heels: peony pink peep toes with gold horsebit hardware — now those are made for dancing.
“A vision,” I said to Taylor.
“I know,” he replied, equal parts awe and pride.
The designer accessed Bendon Lingerie’s heritage collection, with models in archival 1940s and ‘50s bustiers and bullet bras up top, cheeky satin hotpants below. Hot pink, berry red and candyfloss pink, all with a flouncy feather trim. Sexy, energetic, exceptionally feminine, and the perfect complement to the shoes.
Pointed toe slingbacks in patent pink caught my eye, as did the same silhouette in a striking cherry red with feather fringe on the point. One can only hope they weren’t just for show.
Frivolity aside, there were some beautifully practical pairs too: a stone thong kitten heel with a gold centre detail, and raffia sandals adorned with seaglass-like beads.
A designer so beloved she holds not one show but two. And yes, Taylor shed a tear. “She got me twice in a row,” he admitted. - Skye Ross
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