Model to share spotlight with stripped All Blacks

Nikki Phillips is the new face and body of Jockey Underwear at NZ Fashion Week, which starts tomorrow in Auckland.

An international fashion model will be the most envied woman in New Zealand as she steps out on the catwalk in sexy lacy lingerie flanked by buff All Blacks wearing nothing but their underwear.

Nikki Phillips is returning to her hometown as the new face and body of Jockey Underwear at New Zealand Fashion Week, which starts tomorrow in Auckland.

The 29-year-old beauty, who is married to recording artist Dane Rumble, will take to the catwalk in next to nothing as she models a range of Paris-inspired ensembles at Thursday's show.

Sexy attire aside, rugby stars Victor Vito, Tarwera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, DJ Forbes and Gillies Kaka are just as likely to steal the limelight as they strut their stuff in their smalls for the 10-minute show.

Chosen for their svelte physiques and confident demeanour, the five elite sportsmen will be put through their paces by the Sydney-based model and fashion blogger just hours before they make their runway debut.

Phillips revealed exclusively to the Herald on Sunday that she would be turning to the 2001 cult classic film Zoolander for some failproof catwalk advice.

"One foot in front of the other, maintain your blue steel till the bitter end and NEVER turn left!" she said.

But if for some reason it didn't quite go to plan she wasn't going to be put off her game.

"It's the All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens in their Jockey's ... nothing can really go wrong!" said an excited Phillips.

Other All Blacks expected to warm the front row included international Jockey ambassador and billboard regular Dan Carter and captain Richie McCaw.

Meanwhile, gorgeous star Anna Paquin has paid her tribute to Kiwi designers on the eve of Fashion Week.

The LA-based actress has shot a cover story for Remix magazine, out tomorrow. And in the 10-page spread the Oscar winner wears designers including Karen Walker, pictured at right, Helen Cherry and Liam.

Images from the shoot are expected to grace the walls at Fashion Week.