Cauliflower ears grace the catwalk

Ex-All Black Norm Hewitt graces the catwalk. Picture / NZ Fashion Week

Former All Black Norm Hewitt didn't know where to look today in the unisex changing rooms of Air New Zealand Fashion Week as he readied himself for his debut catwalk performance.

"Everyone was getting naked, and I kept looking down and saying 'oh sorry, sorry' -- it was a bit different from the rugby rooms when you're just with the boys, that's no worries."

Hewitt was a model for new Wellington designer Charmaine Love in the Pasifika show at Auckland's Viaduct Marine Village.

He was joined on stage by fellow Dancing with the Stars performer Shane Cortese, television presenters Stacey Daniels and Scotty Morrison, and Fear Factor winner Mark Hewlett.

Hewitt, who was significantly shorter and wider than most to grace the catwalks in the past three days, said moments before he walked out he had a little panic.

"I was all dressed up with these beautiful people thinking 'Oh my God, what am I doing'?"

But he began to enjoy the moment as soon as the audience erupted into hoots and applause when he appeared at the foot of the catwalk.

"You see this on TV and [the models] are professional -- it's about the clothes and not you -- but I was smiling away and my heart was [racing]."

Love's debut collection adapted traditional Maori design into wearable streetwear, and the distinct New Zealand touch was enhanced by an opening Kapa Haka group performance and stirring Maori song.

Love said after the show many of the international buyers and media who were in the audience told her how moved they were by the show.

"They said it was refreshing to see the personal touches."

New Zealand would never be like the Paris and Milan fashion weeks, and should embrace what was uniquely New Zealand, she said.

Love and her husband designed golfer Michael Campbell's range of Kia Kaha polo shirts.

She said Campbell had tried to make it to the catwalk today but since he won the US Open his schedule had been hectic and he needed to meet up with his family in Sydney.

Love's show was followed by Rarotongan label Tav, designed by Ellena Tavioni.

The Pasifika show was a fresh, rhythmical experience celebrating the mixture of cultures in the South Pacific.


It was an evening of elegance, with back-to-back shows by four of New Zealand's most revered women designers.


The evening began with Victorian opulence from Liz Mitchell, then flashes of Autumn colour in flowing evening wear by Angela Lewis.


And the crowds had to be turned away for the Kate Sylvester collection, where models sauntered in dark tones to a backdrop of a waterfall.


The last show of the day was scheduled for Auckland's High Street but rain drove the crowds inside for a high-energy collection of Modus Operandi men's and women's wear designed by Miriam Clements.


- NZPA