Fashion Week: All stitched up (part II)

Nicky Watson modelling for IPG at Fashion Week last year. File picture / Nicola Topping

The ex-files

So just who was the surprise helper at the james & august rehearsal for Sally Ridge's lingerie and casualwear range on parade today. None other than Nicky Watson, spotted giving professional tips to the models. Devoted magazine readers will recall that the former best friends who share an ex fell out a while back. Perhaps they've got back together to compare notes? Be afraid, be very afraid.

Star of his own show

Former Cleo Bachelor of the Year and former Mr Gay Wellington, Michael Pattison, had all the bases covered in his Verge Breakthrough Show. Women's wear, menswear and he took a turn on the runway too. For the record, we reckon he should stick with the blokes, his check lean pants and knits had nice detailing, but what was with the bondage strap on the bum?

Claws sharpened

When celebrity guest Cameron Silver flew into town his first order of business was a manicure. Freshly filed, he shrugged off jet lag to hit the shops in Teed St, Newmarket, and lunch at Zarbo. Let's hope he's sharp as nails for the Fashion Week lunch, where the stylist credited with bringing the vintage craze to Hollywood stars shares his - and, we hope, their - secrets. The Catwalk Club Luncheon at the Hilton tomorrow is a public chance to participate in events. Tickets (including a goody bag and a chance to win show tickets) cost $130. Contact Raquel on 377-8033.

Long and short

Former giant All Black lock Robin Brooke was among a team of sports stars at the shows yesterday. He had a good reason for his front-row spot at RJC, his wife Hayley produced the show for designer Claire Kingan-Jones. Style note: Leave the short-sleeve shirt at the supermarket.

Silver Fern Anna Rowberry and former Black Stick Mandy Smith were also spotted in the celeb count.

Full house

From the 1000-seat marquee to the smaller tent venues, most shows were packed. But for the few that weren't, ushers - many volunteers from AUT - were instructed to fill any empty front row shots for no-show VIPs from the bleachers. Petra Bagust and mum were whisked forward, but perhaps that was just a seating snafu.

Bridal walk

Entry into the grim aluminium sheds that make up the venue and once housed America's Cup yachts has been transformed thanks to Telco's Shelley McRae. Entry ways are hung in thousands of metres of calico and black lycra. Chandeliers from ECC hang in the function rooms. Not quite Paris, but at least there are twinkling lights, not clanking metal struts everywhere. Inside the tents, though, it is hot as hell, with programmes being used frantically as fans.