Kiwis have designs on famous Hollywood carpet

And the question on everyone's lips this week is ... who will win an Oscar? And, of course, who will have the best frock?

This year, New Zealanders are vying to come first in both of these categories.

The team behind the 11-minute film Two Cars, One Night - which tells the tale of blossoming childhood friendship in the car park of a country pub and has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Short Film Live Action category - will be showing off garments by elite and up-and-coming Kiwi designers on the night.

Producer Ainsley Gardiner had the final fitting of her Zambesi-designed dress on Thursday, before flying out that night to Los Angeles in time for the 77th Academy Awards to be held tomorrow.

Soon after Two Cars, One Night received its nomination, the producers called for "fashion donations" to dress Ms Gardiner and others attending the award ceremony: Wellington writer and director Taika Waititi, his partner and crew member Loren Horsley, and associate producer Catherine Fitzgerald. No one responded to the web appeal, but Ms Ainsley said she had no hesitation in approaching Zambesi.

"It was my first choice," she said.

Zambesi designer Elisabeth Findlay created her an elegant floor-length dress in grass-green French polyester elastane and a regal darker green rabbit-fur neckpiece reminiscent of a traditional Maori feather korowai. The outfit is completed with pounamu earrings provided by Ms Gardiner's cousin Lewis Gardiner of Rotorua.

Mr Waititi will be wearing a Zambesi black velvet suit and Ms Horsley will be dressed in a peach silk chiffon dress by Karen Walker. Ms Fitzgerald will have on an RJC (Robin Jones Clothing) flapper-style dress.

Ms Ainsley said the production team knew the film - which has already won several film awards - was special and was not surprised that it had had as much success as it had.

The Oscars will be televised live on Sky's main movie channel from 2pm tomorrow, and on TV2 from 10.30pm.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY