Orlando Bloom's T-shirt not for sale

By ANGELA GREGORY


There were designer dresses and smart suits but it was a simple orange T-shirt that lit up the red carpet at the world premiere of The Return of the King.

But people wanting one of the "I Love New Zealand" tees worn by star Orlando Bloom are out of luck.

The orange versions of the shirt, designed by Auckland company Huffer, are out of production and there are no plans for a re-release.

A co-partner of the label, Steve Dunstan, said the phone rang hot with orders yesterday.

But while the company could make easy money and flood the hungry market, that would not happen as it was "not cool" to take advantage.

Mr Dunstan said the shirt had been one of Huffer's earlier runs about three years ago.

"It's awesome ... He [Bloom] must have brought it back with him or someone has given him one ... We certainly didn't."

Mr Dunstan said he had been surprised and flattered to see Bloom parading the shirt.

Huffer was not the only New Zealand label to get a starring role.

Wellington student designer Michelle Wilson, 20, made the sky-blue United Nations "flag" shirt for star Viggo Mortensen after cheekily inquiring about his wardrobe while helping with his photography exhibition.

Ms Wilson said the pair collaborated on the design. The UN motif was hard to print on fabric so she purchased two flags instead.

"It's 100 per cent polyester. I don't think it would have been too comfortable."

The premiere was a fashion bonanza for other New Zealand designers.

Wellington menswear outlet Mandatory did a roaring trade in the weeks before the premiere.

Designer Clare Bowden said the label clothed many of the crew and guests, as well as Wellington actor Sala Baker, who plays Sauron.

"He was still in his gear this morning signing autographs."

Ms Bowden said the colourful men stood out in the fashion stakes from the women, many of whom faded in black.

Massey University's head of fashion and textile design, Sue McLaren, agreed, saying she was impressed with the men's efforts.

"They looked wonderful and had moved away from the black-tie look to cool suits or casual."

Other stars kitted out in New Zealand labels included Billy Boyd in Nicholas Blanchet, Dominic Monaghan in Zambesi, Craig Parker and Bruce Hopkins in World and Andy Serkis in Hank Cubitt of House of Hank in Wellington.

One woman who did make a mark was Prime Minister Helen Clark, in a Liz Mitchell deep slate-coloured full-length gown.

It was designed to set off her chain mail wrap made by Weta Workshop.

Liz Mitchell in turn also designed outfits for Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop head Richard Taylor and his wife, Tania Rodgers, to wear at upcoming premieres in Los Angeles, London, Paris and Berlin.

LOTR co-writer Philippa Boyens wore Trelise Cooper and Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast wore a fishtail skirt of red tulle and scarf by Wellington designer Andrea Moore.


* Return Of The King opens in New Zealand on Dec. 18.

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings