Countdown To Air New Zealand Fashion Week

12 October 2005

Countdown To Air New Zealand Fashion Week

Less than a week till the fifth New Zealand collections show off to the world in a venue specially "dressed up" for the event

As the designers put the finishing touches to their latest creations, the home of the fifth Air New Zealand Fashion Week is getting a makeover befitting the home of New Zealand fashion.

The old boat sheds that form Fashion HQ for the week are getting a look that truly is worth a million dollars!.

>From the registration area with its giant fishing net accessorised with a flax kete, to the elegance of the Chandelier Room hosting area, there's a sense of style previously unknown at 135 Halsey Street.

Telco Asset Management began the epic extreme makeover of the 4,000 square metre venue last weekend. More than 1000 hours have already been spent preparing and a team of 10 staff are now working around the clock to have the transformation complete in time for the launch of Air New Zealand's new uniform at the venue on Sunday.

Managing Director of Air New Zealand Fashion Week Pieter Stewart says she's thrilled that the makeover will bring a whole new dimension to Fashion Week. "Our international VIPs, buyers and media will see New Zealand fashion showcased in an environment they would never see anywhere else on the world stage. It certainly is a big shift from the starkness of the boat sheds."

Stewart says the fifth Air New Zealand Fashion Week looks set to be one of the strongest yet. "Not only are more new labels showing than ever before, but the Exhibition area is completely sold-out for the first time ever, strengthening the overall offering of the week to buyers, media and visitors alike."

"Showcasing off-catwalk is a huge part of the week for designers and makers of accessories, from jewellery to footwear. This is where some serious deals are made," she says.

"A number of designers including Trelise Cooper, Yvonne Bennetti, RJC, Sakaguchi, High Society and Annah Stretton have taken spaces this year, realising the importance of having a showroom space onsite when it comes to meeting with buyers and selling."

Just confirming her place after a month at the European shows, legendary fashion critic and video-journalist Diane Pernet will join an already strong international line-up at next week's collections as a guest of Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

One of the industry's most sought after figures, Pernet is a Paris fashion icon and stalwart of the international fashion show circuit. Pernet has had a highly colourful career in fashion journalism, but is best described as one of the world's most recognisable fashionistas due to her distinctive "look." Pernet made a cameo appearance in Robert Altman's film, Pret-a-Porter playing herself and in Roman Polanski's The Ninth Gate.

She's expected to create a lot of buzz alongside fellow VIP guest, Cameron Silver who will swap his front row seat for the Catwalk Club Luncheon next Thursday. Named as one of fashion's 25 most influential figures by Time Magazine, Cameron is credited with starting the vintage dressing craze. He will speak about Hollywood stars, the craze for vintage gowns and his life styling the rich and famous in clothes first worn decades ago.

The Catwalk Club Luncheon is being held at the Hilton on Thursday 20 October at 12.30pm and tickets, $130, are selling fast. Contact Raquel on +64 9 377 8033 or Raquel@nzfashionweek.com. For more information visit www.nzfashionweek.com.

Limited tickets are still available for the Air New Zealand Fashion Week 'Best of' Shows on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October. The 'Best of' Shows showcase the best of spring/summer from each Fashion Week designer.

Held at the Fashion Week venue, they are the best way to be part of the buzz that is Fashion Week. Tickets, $45 for adults and $35 for students, include a complementary Fashion Week cocktail. Available through Ticketek, www.ticketek.co.nz.

Air New Zealand Holidays is also offering a special 'Best of' Show package. The package includes two nights accommodation at the Mercure, Heritage or Hilton Hotels and two tickets to a 'Best Of' Show with preferential seating in the front two rows. Prices start at $575 per person. For more information, check out www.airnewzealand.co.nz.

Aucklanders who can't make it to the Catwalk Club Luncheon or 'Best of' Shows can catch the action of Fashion Week with the Air New Zealand Big Screen TV located in the heart of Auckland's fashion precinct, Freyberg Place on High Street. A live feed from Fashion Week will mean the shows can all be watched live.

And for those who would rather catch the action from the comfort of their own couch, C4 will feature two half hour highlights packages at 7.30pm and 10.30pm each night for the duration of the Fashion Week.

Air New Zealand Fashion Week takes place from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 October at 135 Halsey Street, Viaduct Harbour Marine Village. For more information go to www.nzfashionweek.com.

ENDS

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