KEY POINTS:
Once again this Saturday, it's all about traditional race wear, but on this occasion, a stylish and feminine outfit could win the wearer a $25,000 diamond sponsored by Angela Daniel Jewellery. If you would like more information on dress codes and fashion prizes during Auckland Cup week, read all about it on the website: www.aucklandcupweek.co.nz
Extra extra sparkle
Men get a look-in with jeweller Graeme Thomson. He has a long association with horse racing in New Zealand, has come up with a diamond stick pin. The pin, used by gentlemen to secure their ties, has been specially designed for Auckland Cup week and will set you back $10,000. Ph (09) 303-1912 for more information on this masculine delight.
Genuinely good
Max Fashions has turned its advertising campaign, which has been focused on "the New Zealand republic of women", into a spot of genuine do-gooding. In keeping with the campaign, they've launched the Max Foundation for New Zealand Women and every year they'll be donating at least $75,000 toward "individuals and initiatives whose actions inspire and enhance the wellbeing and advancement" of local women.
Along with the unveiling of the foundation, the first recipients of a total of $25,000 were also announced. They include the Taonga Education Centre Teenage Parent Unit from South Auckland, which gives young mothers an opportunity to pursue educational and community goals, and Look Good, Feel Better which runs beauty workshops to make cancer sufferers look good and therefore feel better.
The foundation is also helping to send Tanya Black, a TV researcher and presenter who broke her spine two years ago in an accident and is now confined to a wheelchair, on to further education in television journalism in Australia. And, along with the do-gooding there was also some good looking - at the same event Max also unveiled its winter collection.
There'll be more of the same to come and anyone who would like themselves or their organisation to be considered for funding can find out more, online at www.max.co.nz The next round of funding applications closes at the end of May.
Bunny baubles
The makers of the popular fashion labels Ruby and Madame Hawke have added another sparkly string to their pretty bows. This winter they are releasing a collection of jewellery. Called Garden Party, the gold and silver charms and pendants are charmingly themed on the happenings in a magic garden where white rabbits wear masks.
Stylish ol' Kylie
Kylie Minogue has hired French designer Jean Paul Gaultier to design a range of "sophisticated" costumes for her next concert tour. Gaultier, who came up with Madonna's conical bra for the Blonde Ambition tour in the 1990s, met Minogue in Paris last month to discuss design ideas.
Minogue's stylist William Baker said the pop princess, who turns 40 this year, would say goodbye to her gold hotpants and opt for outfits showing she was "ageing gracefully".
"He creates iconic pop fashion," said Baker. "What he did for Madonna's concert was like a religious experience for me. It's difficult to remain young, so what's the point? Kylie's career is a constant evolution."
Word perfect
There's nothing quite as creepy as seeing a pre-schooler in a slogan T-shirt that's not amusing. But the locally made range of childrenswear by Anklebiter from Hamilton is a bit different. Starting at around $25 for sale goods, they're not cheap but the words on these shirts - babe, sweetpea, dude, son of a gun - straddle the line between cute and smart-ass. And their shoes and trackpants are equally desirable. See www.anklebiter.co.nz to buy, or for stockists.
