Style File

Driver, Limo, Czech

Guests heading to the off-site World show tonight will be whisked to the event by Skoda. Don't snicker, the trusty but much-maligned East European beast was recently named one of the 10 most popular cars in Britain in a Consumers' Association survey.

Showing they're up with the play, designing couple Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Francis Hooper already nip around town in a sponsored yellow Skoda.

Bags of style

Forget the usual nylon conference briefcase. Delegates to Fashion Week get a white tote bag from Saben and staff wear T-shirts designed by Leia Rawnsley-Mason, winner of a national competition among student designers.

Versions of both are for sale at Max, but they've already sold out in some stores.

Stay tuned

In a first, Sky TV is broadcasting live from Fashion Week.

Coverage is on pay-per-view channel 9, daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm from today until Thursday.

Host Francesca Rudkin (pictured) will cross from the L'Oreal Powder Room to discuss the latest trends. "I can't think of a better way of spending four days than talking about frocks and shoes," she says.

You're invited

If you haven't got VIP show passes don't despair, you won't miss the Fashion Week buzz about town.

A giant screen in Aotea Square will bring the runway shows outdoors. A limited number of tickets can be bought for some events including the $120 Qantas Catwalk Club package, which gets you corporate-style hospitality for one show and the trade exhibition.

Ticketek is selling seats for Style on Stage, two shows on Thursday night featuring the highlights of the week. For $25 you'll get an overview of the key looks of Winter 2004.

If you're more interested in this summer's fashions then get along to Newmarket Fashion Friday. A $15 ticket from Ticketek takes you to a parade featuring 14 Newmarket outlets. And while you're there don't forget to check out the Aotea Square marquee where a number of designers will hold a clearance sale.

A model search is also being held.

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Tomorrow look out for our first reports from the shows by Herald fashion editor Fiona Hawtin. Opening event Style Pasifika gives a local flavour to the day, which features several group shows, including a strong Canterbury contingent, with veteran designer Barbara Lee, known for classic cuts including her Air New Zealand uniform, and showings from premier designers Zambesi and World.

On Wednesday, the Herald's lifestyle section viva goes behind the scenes to reveal the wardrobe secrets of top designers and the latest in summer fashions.

The Weekend Herald's canvas magazine takes a look at New Zealand style and features a 16-page liftout magazine wrapping up the key looks of Fashion Week.

Herald Feature: New Zealand Fashion Week

L'Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week official site