Show to revive beautiful past

The wool wardrobe of a former Miss New Zealand will be brought to light again when her clothes are displayed as part of the Shear Fashion show in Masterton later this month.

The show will feature wool products and is a section of Shear Fest, a new festival to celebrate the Golden Shears.

Former Miss New Zealand Gay Williams (nee Phelps), who grew up and lives in Wairarapa, represented the wool board in the 1960s after she won her title - and still has a range of the wool clothing.

"All the clothes had to be wool, which is wonderful," she said.

Mrs Williams was approached by the organisers of the Shear Fashion show to see if she would lend some of her clothing, which includes ball dresses.

"I was thrilled. It's very nice to think that the clothes still have a bit of use."

She has attended many fashion shows throughout her lifetime and was looking forward to this one.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," she said.

She was unsure which clothes would be used in the show at this stage, although organisers confirmed two ball dresses would feature.

Robyn Cherry-Campbell, of Storm Productions, is one of the organisers of the show.

She was excited to also confirm a range of designers who will demonstrate the versatility of wool.

They included Liz Mitchell, Icebreaker, Swandri, Untouched World through to Merino Kids, Nurtured by Nature, Rembrandt Suits and Stansborough.

The Shear Fashion show will be held on February 28, at the War Memorial Hall, Masterton, and doors will open from 7.30pm. Tickets are $25 per adult and available from Dash Tickets. See www.shearfashion.co.nz for more information.