Clothes by New Zealand label Cybele. Photo / Martin Sykes
Transtasman rivalry steps on to another stage this year, with news that Australian designers will show at Air New Zealand Fashion Week.
So will it be a battle of tight, white lycra versus draping black wool?
That depends on who ends up coming to the September shows, but
the presence of the Australians is good news for the event as it is bound to increase buyer and media interest from across the Ditch and beyond.
"We're really thrilled to be able to invite Australian designers to show and we hope this move will further strengthen transtasman relationships within the fashion industry," said Fashion Week director Pieter Stewart.
She and daughter Myken attended Australian Fashion Week this month and found plenty of early interest in showing in Auckland.
They will announce the lineup in late July.
New Zealanders have shown in Australia for 10 years and nearly 80 per cent of our fashion exports are sold to Australia.
Zambesi's Neville Findlay said: "We've been showing at Australian Fashion Week, so it seems only right that we would invite Australian designers to show in New Zealand.
"More variety will spice up the week and raise standards all round."
Australia has traditionally concentrated on its spring-summer collections in Sydney, whereas the New Zealand shows are the next season's autumn/winter styles.
Australia's winter shows in Melbourne haven't had the profile of the Sydney or Auckland events
So if New Zealand manages to attract enough top Australian designers to show winter ranges here, then both countries benefit by offering more to guests, especially those who make the long haul flight from the Northern Hemisphere.
Industry interest is also high in which locals will show, with rumours that one top name will take a break and another may return.
