Monochromatic Moment

Monochromatic fashion is one of the hottest trends of the last few years, although it certainly isn’t new. Coco Chanel is accredited with starting the style back in the 1920s with her black and white designs. Just as it sounds, monochromatic, is about wearing one colour, with ‘mono’ meaning one and chromatic meaning ‘colour’ – however, there is a little more to it than that. Here are a few tips for achieving your perfect monochromatic moment.

1.

Colour choice

Choose your colour. Going monochromatic is about working with the colour or colours that suit you best. You can do a monochromatic look with any colour –black, white, navy or beige instantly create chic looks, or opt for bright colours for something more fun. To make it easier for yourself, first try out a colour you already have plenty of in your wardrobe.

2.

Successful shades

To pull off a monochromatic outfit, wear pieces that are all in the same colour family, but different shades. Choose a matching jacket and pants but a slightly lighter shade in the same colour for your shirt, this will achieve definition in your outfit. Try pulling out pieces in your wardrobe that are all varying shades of the same colour and see what you’ve got, you may surprise yourself by putting together an outfit you wouldn’t normally wear.

3.

Textural elements

A stylish monochromatic outfit looks best when there are different textures in your clothing. Try combining a wool coat with a silk dress underneath, a pair of chunky leather boots and a thick woollen scarf. The contrast between the fabrics and textures will add dimension to your outfit.

4. Always accessorize

Monochromatic style doesn’t stop at your clothing, don’t forget the accessories. Handbags, shoes, belts, and jewellery in the same colour can all be incorporated. Choose shoes or heels in the same colour as your outfit to elongate the body. Alternatively, try out accessories in a contrasting but complementary colour to your outfit to make your look really pop.

Try out monochromatic styling for yourself, you may just fall in love with this sophisticated and timeless style. Have fun trying the look with different colours and for all different occasions - from casual to formal - it is a style that immediately achieves a puttogether look.

It’s mid-winter and the Mako are back in the water. Tasman rugby fans across the nation, and there are a growing number, will be practising their “fins up” as both the Mako men’s and women’s teams dive headlong into another season of provincial rugby.

The men kick off their Bunnings Warehouse NPC premiership campaign at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park on Friday, August 4, against Otago while the women opened their bid for the Farah Palmer Cup [FPC] championship crown against the same opponent on July 22.

With the Rugby World Cup being staged in France later this year, the Mako men’s selectors have had to perform something of a juggling act.

World Cup squads will not be confirmed until late August, leaving questions over the availability of key players, who may or may not travel to France with either the All Blacks, Tongan, Fijian or Samoan sides. Consequently, a potent mix of international stars, Super Rugby players and club competitors were named earlier this month in an enlarged squad. Despite uncertainty over high-profile players such as David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Shannon Frizell, Ethan Blackadder and Finlay Christie, the Mako will still be able to field a side stacked with talent.

A backline comprising NZ under-20 stars Noah Hotham and Macca Springer, plus Super Rugby standouts Mitch Hunt, Alex Nankivell, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai plus returning stalwart Tom Marshall is an exciting proposition.

Up front, Quinten Strange, Pari Pari Parkinson, Anton Segner, Hugh Renton and Max Hicks will provide both experience and expertise, complementing a collection of front rowers able to match any in the competition. With two home games - the second against Auckland in Blenheim on August 12 - to open their campaign, there is considerable optimism around the side’s ability to make a strong start and perhaps go on to repeat their premiership-winning efforts of 2019 –incidentally, also a World Cup year.

The Mako women are feeding in a different pool, hoping to make an impact in the second-tier FPC championship division.

The 2022 season represented something of a breakthrough for the Mako women, picking up two wins and reaching the quarterfinals, but coach Mel Bosman and her team will be keen to take things a step further this time around.

Experienced playmakers Sui Pauaraisa and Cassie Siataga are back to lead the side around the park, alongside a selection of talented youngsters, 13 of whom are set to make the Mako debut.

To get the inside goss on the Tasman Mako team and what our top rugby stars are really like, we went straight to the source. We asked the players to tell us which of their teammates are most likely to hog the mirror and who they’d be happy to have dating their sister. Here’s what we found out…

The joker of the team?

Tim O’Malley

Hogging the mirror before the game?

Receives the most fines?

Luca Inch

Not winning the award for the tidiest Mako?

Max Hicks

Most likely to represent the region in another sport?

Ryan Coxon (Golf)

Most superstitious on game day?

Mitch Hunt

Worst taste in music?

Sam Matenga

Strongest Mako?

Kershawl Sykes-Martin

The best prankster?

Tom Marshall

Mum of the team?

Quentin MacDonald

Most likely to watch the new Barbie movie?

Louie Chapman

Best nick name?

Hugh Renton (Tow Ball)

Happy for your sister to date?

Campbell Parata

Most impressive secret talent?

Graham Urquhart (Speed at answering questions)

Best fashion style?

Anton Segner