KEY POINTS:
ADRIENNE SCHOFIELD
Looks after the invited VIP guests in the Air New Zealand Lounge
I'm an Air NZ Customer Services Agent, based at the Auckland Koru Lounge. When the airline announced its sponsorship of ANZFW five years ago, I was asked if I would manage the Lounge.
Describe a typical Fashion Week day:
My day starts at about 9.30am when I arrive and meet with the Lounge designer David Scott. We check everything is looking perfect, check the guest lists and then I spend the day greeting and looking after our guests, and escorting them to the designer shows.
What's it like inside the Lounge?
It's another world. Our guests are just blown away when they enter, especially if the sun is shining over the Viaduct Harbour. They can sit down, have a drink and enjoy the exquisite canapes on offer and simply take in the view. We've had lots of famous people through over the years, but my favourite would probably be Rachel Hunter and her family last year. She was delightful and her kids were so down to earth.
Can you get in if you're not a VIP?
The Lounge is only open to specially invited guests - mostly Air NZ customers. But over the years we've had people trying to scale walls and posing as photographers. We had one girl struggle all the way up the stairs in an elaborate mermaid outfit with very high heels who tried to tell us she had a photo shoot in the lounge! If you're not on the list, you're not getting in.
What do you always have in your handbag for the week?
I always carry a needle and thread - ironic really at Fashion Week that it should be the most common thing I'm asked for! I also carry plasters and Panadol.
NICKY GADSDON
Volunteer Co-ordinator
This is my first year working with the volunteers but my second at Fashion Week.
Describe your typical Fashion Week day:
On a daily basis I've been corresponding with at least 20-30 volunteers from all over NZ, some of whom are taking leave from work so they can experience Fashion Week first hand! Overall, we have over 200 volunteers doing everything from dressing models, ushering the guests into the shows and even driving the VIPs. When casting volunteers we look for passion, enthusiasm and availability. We have lots of design students working this year - but we also have lots of people who have normal 9-5 jobs volunteering, too.
What's the best thing about your role?
Working with so many volunteers who are passionate and are genuinely eager to help, it's very humbling. And, getting a sneak peak at all the fabulous clothes! Lots of my work is done at home so juggling the demands of my 2-year-old daughter and 200 volunteers is definitely a balancing act - one which I love though!
What are you planning to wear?
I will be on my feet for most of the week so comfort is very important. I plan to wear some very cute Kathryn Wilson flats, black pants and a Fashion Week T!
How do you keep up your energy levels?
Water is key and getting sleep when I can. Plus, having a positive, can-do attitude!
RICARDO SIMICH
Front of House is the international name for his role, but in NZ he's known as the uber concierge
Describe a typical day for you:
I arrive at 10am, catch up on the day and night before, scan the first show sheets - each day starts at 11am. And then it is a constant flow after that. As soon as everyone is seated I bow out. I am constantly on the go, the day flies past, I don't touch a drink till after 6pm.
How do you decide where people sit?
I don't! Fashion Week's office recommends a master list to the designers who then adjust it to their needs. Then, Denise Cohen, the House general manager, skilfully compiles seating plans. Well, the best-laid plans go astray, so I work out the last minute changes before each show with Denise. And then it still is not perfect so I am then a traffic warden at the front of the House. People who might complement the show's front row are kept to the side and then the final stroke is filling the gaps. That is my secret.
What are your biggest challenges?
Mucking up someone of fashion importance's seat and then making it up to them after the show. Or worse, kicking someone out of their seat even if the person-of-more-importance is late. I can count the times it's happened on one hand, but it's very stressful, more than a mini panic attack I can assure you.
What are your fashion week wardrobe staples?
Two different coloured highlighters, a clipboard and the torch from last year's Zambesi show; it makes me feel like the woman with the blue eye shadow that used to usher at the Civic when I was a kid.
