Armageddon Expo was held in Auckland this past weekend – the biggest comic/sci-fi convention in New Zealand. While the convention also visits a couple of other New Zealand cities throughout the year, the Auckland event is by far the biggest and best – held annually over the long weekend ‘Labour Day’ holiday in October. I have been attending Armageddon since 2003, and it has really expanded since those earlier years – a bigger and better venue, and so much more Star Wars!
As always, I was on the hunt for Star Wars fashion, and I was not disappointed! New Zealand events are smaller compared to US conventions, and many brands are just not available here. So I was really excited to see just how much I found – check out this post for my Princess Leia themed shopping haul from Armageddon this year.
Please note the prices pictured are in New Zealand dollars – the currency exchange rate combined with the cost of importing product from overseas means prices are higher here compared to the US.
Cobalt Heights
Cobalt Heights was the number one priority on day one of Armageddon Expo – I was lined up at the doors right outside the booth, determined to get there first. My mission – to get the gorgeous Loungefly Princess Leia tote bag and wallet. Success!
When Loungefly first launched their Star Wars range, I bought quite a few of their wallets – there was no indication if their range was a one-time collection, or if it would be an on-going collaboration, so I grabbed what I could. Now that there is such a huge range of Loungefly Star Wars items, I tend to be more selective with my choices, as I can’t afford to get both my favourite handbag and the matching wallet – the handbag usually wins that decision.
I spent quite a while browsing the rest of the Star Wars bags and wallets available – I see Loungefly products online every day while writing for this website, so I really enjoy any opportunity to see them in person. I find some items stand out to me more in person than I expect, and some are a little less interesting.
EB Games
In the last year or two, EB Games NZ has branched out to include geek fashion and collectibles, as part of their ‘Zing Pop Culture’ sub-label. Their range includes Loungefly bags, Bioworld accessories, and Body Vibe jewelry. I was really looking forward to seeing what Star Wars items I could find at the EB Games booth, but in terms of Star Wars fashion, they only stocked a selected number of Loungefly bags – the Canto Bight Rebel tote bag, the R2-D2 mini backpack, and two Star Wars backpacks.
Now I was really conflicted here – EB Games had 40% off Loungefly products! I had already bought the beautiful Princess Leia tote bag and wallet from Cobalt Heights, so I wasn’t looking for any other Loungefly products. But you know, 40% off is a good deal! I spent a while considering the R2-D2 backpack – I don’t have it, it is relatively new and would make for an interesting review – but it wasn’t on my personal wish list.
As much as I would love to, I can’t afford to buy all the Star Wars fashion, so I have priority list, and this backpack wasn’t on it. I may regret not grabbing this when I saw it (they were gone later that day, as I expected), but I really love the items I did get at Armageddon.
Now seriously, they had a lot of this particular backpack! For me, backpacks are quite a unisex item, but the colours of this print, combined with the subtle leafy/floral design of the pattern makes it a little more appealing/geared towards female fans. It just seemed like quite a high number to import into New Zealand, for our population size and number of Star Wars fans that this design would appeal to.
I do like the Loungefly x Star Wars backpack range, but I have not bought one myself, as I don’t really use standard backpacks. My daughter has one for school, and is actually looking for a new one – but this is not her favourite print, she likes the bolder colourful designs with lots of characters. So again, weird that they imported so much of this one particular design.
Fangirl Stitches
Fangirl Stitches had a cute array of cross-stitched items and kits – including R2-D2 and BB-8 items! In particular, I loved the cross-stitched R2-D2 dangle earrings – you can buy these on Etsy here. If you enjoy cross-stitch, check out their website for lots of geek designs, including a neat Princess Leia pattern.
The Sunday Co
The Sunday Co had a cute range of fandom inspired pins, including several Star Wars designs! As I am always on the look-out for Princess Leia items, I just had to get the adorable little Princess Leia pin. Carrie Fisher’s birthday coincided with Armageddon Expo this year, so this smiling pin was just what I needed that day.
Geek Boutique
Geek Boutique had a selection of Star Wars items available, including a Star Wars pompom beanie, and Loungefly Star Wars wallets, coin purses, and patches.
Planet RAWR
Planet RAWR has been a staple at Armageddon Auckland for a few years now, and they always have cute Star Wars acrylic jewelry designs. Their range included C-3PO, BB-8, R2-D2, and Stormtrooper necklaces and earrings – I quite like the velvet choker options!
Trinity Treasures
Trinity Treasures had a neat range of geek necklaces available, including the Rebel Alliance symbol, the Jedi Order symbol, R2-D2, and the classic Star Wars logo pendants.
Bits & Bobs & Geeks
I spotted this cute Princess Leia ‘Mickey Ears’ headband at the Bits & Bobs & Geeks booth – I love creative Mickey Ears, and it was neat to see a Star Wars design available at Armageddon.
Embrace Design
Embrace Design creates geeky items via 3D printing and laser cutting/engraving – so it was fun to see 3D printed Star Wars necklaces at their booth! The range on display included Millennium Falcon, R2-D2, and Stormtrooper helmet necklaces.
Assorted Finds
I was delighted to see lots of other Star Wars fashion finds at other booths – in particular, this range of Star Wars jewelry was available from several different stands.
Here’s some of my other Star Wars fashion finds at Armageddon Expo – Star Wars fabric headbands, pins, socks, messenger bags, wallets, backpacks, t-shirts, and tote bags. Overall, it was a great event, and even though we didn’t have a Star Wars celebrity guest this year, there was still plenty of Star Wars shopping, and lots of great Star Wars cosplay too! I can’t wait for next year 🙂
