Tentside chat: Trelise Cooper

Trelise Cooper on stage at the end of her show. Picture / Martin Sykes

I had a quick chat with Trelise Cooper just after the lights came up after her second show at the St James Theatre.

How did the shows go tonight?

I was very nervous in the first show (Trelise did two shows, one for friends and family, and a later show for media) but I practised on that one, we all practised on that one, so the second show I felt much calmer about.

[Trelise is interrupted by several people wanting to congratulate her on her show, Myken Stewart (Brand manager for NZ Fashion Week) raves to me "We love Trelise!"]

Were there any hitches to either of the shows?

Not really, no.

What practicing did you do with the children? (25 children, aged between 2 and 6, did full catwalk turns modelling the Trelise Cooper Kids range)

We did a short practice yesterday and really nothing after that.

Did any of the children seem scared?

Well our most confident model, who we've used a couple of times was unable to go out, she's terrified of fire, (The dramatic show featured men dressed as monks carrying flaming torches which ignited a sign hanging above the stage) and we didn't know that. So she didn't go on stage either show, although she really wanted to. Other than that no, they were all happy to get out there and do it.

What's your favourite piece from any of you collections?

I think my Victorian Gothic industrial pieces with the silk and the ruffles.

And what about a favourite from the lingerie collection?

I love the one-piece that came out first and I love the vintage spots.