NZ Fashion Week: Design secrets almost out

Zambesi menswear designer Dayne Johnston and founder and creative director Elisabeth Findlay finalise the seating plan ahead of Fashion Week. Photo / Nick Reed

Many of our top fashion designers spent the weekend putting the final touches to their collections which will have their time in the spotlight at New Zealand Fashion Week, which starts tonight at Auckland's Viaduct Event Centre.

More than 88 brands will vie for the attention of local and international media and buyers in what is the country's biggest fashion event of the year.

For Zambesi designers Elisabeth Findlay and Dayne Johnston, the pressure is on as they open the event tonight and, as the winners of the prestigious 2017 Mercedes-Benz Presents Award, the focus will be even greater.

The brand, renowned for its understated cool, will take all in its elegant stride, however, having starred over the years not only in New Zealand, but also London and Sydney.

Zambesi's preparations have been top secret, to insure maximum impact on the runway this week. Photo / Getty Images

At the weekend, the Zambesi team worked on final hair and make-up looks and model fittings. It was all top secret to insure maximum runway impact. The only clue they'd give: the models will step out in silver Doc Marten boots.

Tonight will also see the opening party, with speeches by Auckland mayor Phil Goff and Fashion Week founder Dame Pieter Stewart.

What to look out for

Tomorrow: Expect a beautiful show and performance at Andrea Moore, with dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet set to model.

Wednesday: Designer Jimmy D, renowned for his subversive humour, opens the day. Also on the schedule is label-to-watch Wynn Hamlyn, and Tanya Carlson returns.

Thursday: The show not to miss will be Kate Sylvester with her collection Electric Dream. Spark Arena is the place to be later in the evening when Huffer celebrates 20 years with over 1500 people, a runway show, and top DJs. Win tickets at Viva.co.nz/win

Friday: All eyes will be on the All Blacks models at the Jockey show, before World officially opens the public Fashion Weekend.

Saturday: A mix of workshops, the designer garage sale, and in-season runway shows. Don't miss Augustine who will debut their new shoe collection Hey Monday.

Sunday: The hot ticket today will be when Russell Athletic bring sportswear to the schedule.