Roisin Dubh show goes on despite accident

Stories of bravery and courage would not normally be looked for among the frocks and finery of New Zealand Fashion Week but for designer Roisin Kearney, the show had to go on.

The Auckland designer suffered a suspected broken leg today after tipping backwards off the catwalk at this year's L'Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week but was issuing instructions to her team as she was wheeled to a waiting ambulance.

"She was also heard to tell her team to remember only one button on the tops for the pleated skirts," L'Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week spokeswoman Deborah Pead said.

"She's a real trouper and, after all, the show must go on."

Ms Kearney, who established her Roisin Dubh label in 1998 and has a retail store in Mt Eden, was checking the backdrop for her show with just 20 minutes to go when she walked backwards off the catwalk.

Ms Pead said a loud snap was heard as she landed and afterwards appeared to be in severe pain.

The accident would be heart-breaking for her, Ms Pead said.

"The show will have taken weeks of preparation with dress rehearsals and getting the whole range together and it will be extremely disappointing for her not to be here to see it."

The Roisin Dubh label means "dark rose" in Gaelic and her designs are known for graphic prints and Celtic-inspired patterns.

She began her career by painting clothing and selling through an art gallery. Now she sells throughout Australia, New Zealand and Britain.

Herald Feature: New Zealand Fashion Week

L'Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week official site