Fashion designers have a ball with rugby theme

Genevieve Mora models The Tui That Takes Me Home by Sabatini. Photo / Greg Bowker

Who would have thought rugby could be this fashion forward?

The Rugby World Cup will showcase some of the world's most talented sports stars.

But the tournament has also inspired international designers to produce a fashion show at this year's Westfield Style Pasifika.

Designers from the 19 countries participating in the World Cup have been asked to create rugby-inspired garments made from New Zealand merino wool to make up the international designer collection.

Some of the world's top designers, including Yohji Yamamoto from Japan and John Rocha from Ireland, will have works displayed.

The garments are expected to reflect each designer's country - covering the United States, Europe, Asia, the Pacific and South Africa.

Show producer Stan Wolfgramm said getting the international talent was a great opportunity.

"It's incredible to have the support of these celebrated international designers whose input will ensure this year's event is an absolute must-see for Kiwis and international visitors alike," Mr Wolfgramm said.

The New Zealand designer collection, with garments from up to 10 Kiwi designers, will be shown alongside the international collection.

One of the featured New Zealand garments was made by designers Tony Milich and Danielle Rollo from Sabatini.

Milich, who is also the creative director for the brand, said the garment - named The Tui That Takes Me Home - was designed with rugby and the native bird in mind.

"I'm really crazy about New Zealand birds and especially the tui," he said.

"We have a huge kowhai tree at the back of our house and in the summer they come through and sing. They're beautiful and so we wanted to replicate the tui in this."

The designers used the bird's feathers for a colour base, using blue, teal and indigo to dye materials.

White feathers were used on the neck of the garment to reflect the tui's most distinctive feature.

Leather was also incorporated into the dress to represent the leather used in rugby balls. A rugby ball-shaped handbag, also made of leather, completes the garment.

Milich said the look, which features the kind of intricate knit patterns Sabatini is known for, showed off New Zealand's natural beauty.

He was looking forward to seeing what international designers would bring to the show.

The Westfield Style Pasifika show will be held on October 18 and 19 - between the World Cup semifinals and finals - at Vector Arena in Auckland.

* For ticket details go to stylepasifika.co.nz.