New Zealand Fashion Week jets off

AUCKLAND: Australia is set to play a critical part in this year's instalment of Air New Zealand Fashion Week (ANZFW) - but not for the usual reasons.

Sydney has been selected as the departure point for the event's unique pre-launch initiative which will see visiting Australian media, models and delegates treated to a live catwalk show staged 30,000 feet up in the air.

The themed flight, believed to be the first of its kind, will feature the winter 2008 collections of several designers showing at the September 16 to 22 event including Trelise Cooper, Carlson, Cybele, Federation and Annah Stretton.
In all more than 60 labels managed to confirm spots at the popular six day event with Sydney's Brigid McLaughlin and Nicola Berti carrying the flag for Australian designers.

It is expected the duo will by joined by a large contingent of Australian buyers making their annual pilgrimage to ANZFW - among them Strelitzia's Moira Peach, Whistle's Anne-Marie Gaganis and Joanne Meisner from Directions - together with assorted media.

High-profile Kiwi labels Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, Karen Walker, Hailwood, Huffer and Carlson - all of whom have an extensive wholesale accounts this side of the Tasman - were among the 36 confirmed to stage individual shows.
Other designers will show off their winter collections via a series of group shows including the Fashion Design Ambassador Awards and the AUT Rookie Show, featuring the graduates from the Auckland University of Technology's Design School.

Speaking at the launch of the event late last month event founder Pieter Stewart said ANZFW provided a great forum for participating designers to cluster around other creative people.

The event, worth an estimated $23.2 million to the New Zealand economy - also provided an excellent opportunity for the industry to work together.

"It encourages investment in the sector and other creative sectors and generates substantial and ongoing returns," Stewart said.

Sydney-based designer Brigid McLaughlin, who will man a booth in the exhibition area of the event, said her chief motivation for heading to the event was to expose her brand to a wider audience.

Also hoping to make an appearance at London Fashion Week next year, the former head designer for David Lawrence and Lisa Ho said she would be happy to walk away having secured just two New Zealand stockists.
"I believe my product will work well in the New Zealand market so am really looking forward to introducing it there," she said.

By Tracey McEldowney