Diary of Good’s style curator and makeup artist Yelena Bebich.
There’s truly nothing like the electricity of New Zealand Fashion Week — the buzz, the bustle, the backstage chaos transformed into beauty, and the unapologetic flair of the street style.
This week, I’ve been fully immersed in it all — from last-minute touch-ups and transformations behind the scenes, to soaking in the creative energy.
Dressed daily in vintage treasures from Painted Bird, this is my week in style, the behind-the-scenes grit, and the unforgettable moments in between.
DAY ONE
A Nostalgic Start at the Edge of the Water
NZFW 2025 opened with emotion, elegance, and a touch of theatre at the Opening Night Party and Archival Fashion Show and honestly, what a way to set the tone.
Set outside Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront, the runway unfolded in golden hour light. A shimmering tribute to the threads that have shaped New Zealand style.
Into the Archives: Two Decades of New Zealand Style, curated by the incredible Dan Ahwa, wasn’t just a fashion show, it was a moment. A love letter to the designers, the muses, and the memories that define our industry.
Icons like Bic Runga, Lorraine Downes and the legendary Taika Waititi walked the runway to a soundtrack of Kiwi anthems.
What I wore: A sheer, handmade 1960s dress, layered over knee-high boots that I thrifted.
DAY TWO
Light, Shadow & All the Details
Day two was a reminder of just how many moving parts make up Fashion Week — and as a makeup artist, how many brushes I’ll be washing at 10pm.
My morning began with setting up Aleph Beauty’s product installation at The Shelter ahead of the evening’s Taylor presentation. The usually pristine space was a creative storm, power tools buzzing, lights rigging, magic unfolding.
Later, I spent a few hours at our Aleph Pop-Up Store, connecting with customers and seeing the Aleph glow walk out the door.
Then, it was straight to D&M Hair Design, our backstage base, where I joined Emma Peters and our incredible six-strong Aleph team to create the beauty looks for the Taylor show.
The beauty brief: radiant, light lit skin as the canvas, with each model receiving unique details inspired by light and shadow — soft smudges, glints of shimmer, sculptural flourishes. Less about sameness, more about presence.
The show itself was immersive, a living, breathing installation where guests could wander, pause, and study the garments like artwork. It was fashion as atmosphere: intimate, creative, and powerful.
And as guests drifted into the night, I headed home… to reset the makeup kits for the next round.
DAY THREE
A Return, A Rebirth & a Penthouse Party
My morning began at Shed 10 with a homecoming — the runway debut of Claudia Li’s collection A Different Place and Time.
After nearly a decade in New York, this was Claudia’s first runway show in New Zealand, and her first in three years.
The collection reimagined key silhouettes from her 2015–2018 archives — the gathered sleeve, twisted shapes, oversized bows, mushroom skirts brought back with heightened volume, structure, and presence. It was nostalgic but never stuck in the past — a thoughtful reflection on growth and identity.
Hair was led by Kelly Manu, and beauty keyed by Liz Hyun using Aleph Beauty, creating a sculptural yet soft aesthetic to echo Claudia’s storytelling.
What I wore: A vintage Diane Freis set. A joyful riot of power colours and wild prints. Dopamine dressing at its finest.
The evening shifted gears with the Rebe Official Apartment Showcase — an exclusive event in the penthouse of the Indigo Hotel. Guests mingled as a live lookbook was shot by Holly Sarah Burgess, fashion and editorial blurring in real time.
Makeup Artist Rae Sacha created 90’s Italian Vogue inspired looks using Aleph and Hairstylist Emma Frances created paired back hairstyles for the shoot.
What I wore: A black vintage Armani velvet suit, red statement shoes, and Aleph’s ‘Gloria’ Cheek/Lip Tint for the perfect pop of bold colour.
DAY FOUR
Grounded fashion and Sky High Beauty
Today I stepped backstage at the Untouched World runway show. Working alongside The Peach Club, Aleph Beauty’s Emma Peters keyed a natural, skin-first beauty look. Soft, glowy, and tailored to each model. Hair by Lauren Gunn featured sleek braids and twisted rope details, adding tactile depth and earthy elegance.
Styled by Dan Ahwa, the show reimagined Untouched World’s signature woollens with a sense of adventure. Styled with wide-brimmed hats, riding boots, neckerchiefs, and freshly picked florals.
The final look — a heritage knit overlaid with pounamu, urged reflection on Aotearoa’s connection to land and whakapapa.
My day ended back at The Rebe Penthouse Apartment for an intimate VIP dinner. I did Rebe Healy’s makeup before her guests arrived and colour-matched guests with their perfect Aleph Concealer/Foundation shade before slipping into the night to re-prep kits for the final day.
DAY FIVE
Full Speed, Full Circle
I wrapped NZFW back at Shed 10 with the Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase — a whirlwind finale featuring eight designers, rapid outfit changes, and a surge of shared purpose.
Backstage was electric. Models rushed from look to look, and the Aleph Beauty team worked fast to touch up between quick changes.
Beauty was directed by Emma Peters from Aleph, with a smoked out eye focus that brought strength and subtle drama.
Yelena Bebich is Good Magazine’s Style Curator / Aleph Beauty Marketing & PR / Makeup Artist
Follow Yelena on Instagram @yelenabebich
