Apec fashion fit for the briny

By Warren Gamble

The top-secret garments New Zealand will present to world leaders at the Apec summit on Monday are yachting windbreakers.

Following the bomber jackets at Vancouver's Apec in 1997 and batik shirts in Malaysia last year, the City of Sails' contribution to leaders' wardrobes will be warm, sporty apparel for a jaunt on the briny.

The New Zealand Herald understands the jackets have been specially designed by Auckland firm Line 7, supplier of clothing to Team New Zealand, which defends the America's Cup next year.

Design details are still under wraps, but suggestions include a fleece-lined waterproof garment, maybe in black and white or the dark blue of Team New Zealand.

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley made the final decision after considering a range of options from an arts committee headed by Auckland arts patron Jenny Gibbs.

With the America's Cup looming, Auckland's maritime character and Mrs Shipley's own fondness for the helm - a recent family Christmas was spent cruising around the Marlborough Sounds - the nautical theme was always a top contender.

Line 7 is also an official supplier of Apec clothing merchandise.

Last night the company owner, Ross Munro, said he had signed a confidentiality agreement and could not comment further. Staff at the Line 7 store at the Viaduct Basin said they did not know what kind of jacket had been created. One assistant said a manager joked: "If I told you I'd have to kill you."

The company's fleece-lined sailing jackets range from about $200 to $400 each.