IPG's glittering success

Nicky Watson and a scanty diamante bikini delivered the knockout blow in a battle of the big-name models yesterday.

The star of the IPG label's Fashion Week show was meant to be E! TV host and diminutive Brazilian stunner Cindy Taylor.

But Taylor was behind on points even before the show started. She arrived only half an hour before the show to get her hair and make-up done - and was told she was too late.

Then a bad hair (and make-up) day got worse when she was completely upstaged by Watson, who obviously did have time for an extravagant hair and make-up job.

IPG - it stands for International Play Girl - turned on a razzle-dazzle show heavy on sex appeal.

Watson's partner, former rugby league star Matthew Ridge, was in the front row, with Game of Two Halves co-star Marc Ellis.

Both were left wide-eyed by Watson ... and the bikini and the leather whip she carried as an accessory.

"I didn't recognise her," said Ridge.

He said Watson had told him little about what she would be wearing.

"I had no idea. Wow, she looked amazing."

After the show, Watson said she had enjoyed her second appearance this week after a five-year break from runway modelling.

"It's neat once you get out there. I was really nervous. There wasn't much to it [the outfit] and it was less than I expected.

"It was very nerve-racking. My stomach's still full of butterflies. I need a good stiff drink."

So did many in the audience.

Herald Feature: New Zealand Fashion Week

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