NEW ZEALAND: Sydney-based designer Kirrily Johnston is set to boast a Kiwi first after becoming the first Australian designer invited to stage a show at September's Air New Zealand Fashion Week (ANZFW). The high-end womenswear designer will join Christian Morris label Skunk Funk in flying the Australian flag at the event, in the first of what ANZFW managing director Pieter Stewart hopes will become an "ongoing Trans-Tasman fashion exchange".
Around 50 designers have so far signed up to take part in the event, taking place At Auckland's Viaduct Harbour Marine Village from September 16 to 21, including perenial favourites World, Zambesi, Trelise Cooper, NomD and Cybele.
The 2008 event marks the first time in several years Auckland designer Karen Walker has been included in the schedule with the list of absentees including Australian favourite Kate Sylvester and streetwear label Federation.
Stewart said that with negotiations still continuing with some designers, she was pleased to welcome such a strong list of New Zealand designers.
"Our week long event provides an ideal platform for New Zealand designers to showcase their collections to New Zealand and the world. It also allows an excellent opportunity for many facets of the fashion industry to creatively and passionately work together."