Designer's second coming

NATIONAL SHOWCASE: Kharl William Wirepa, with model Rangiatea Tuhakaraina-Simon, is preparing for New Zealand Fashion Week. PHOTO/ STEPHEN PARKER

A Rotorua fashion designer's clothes will be gracing the catwalk of New Zealand Fashion Week.

Kharl William Wirepa returns to the country's fashion event of the year which starts on Monday showcasing his designs alongside nationally recognised labels such as Kate Sylvester, Annah Stretton and Trelise Cooper.

The Waiariki Institute of Technology fashion graduate was part of the Miromoda Maori Fashion Design show last year.

"Fashion Week is the most prestigious and important trade event in the apparel calendar. Many business opportunities come from showcasing," Mr Wirepa said.

"I am excited to be invited to show for the second time. My brand has grown significantly ... people think that Fashion Week is pageantry and glamorous after parties, but actually it's a very serious business transaction.

"It is the premiere event to meet clothing buyers from all over the world. And it is important to make the best impression to get investors, partners and consumers to help your business grow. It is a roller coaster of emotions preparing for the shows - from designing the collections, to casting models, and sorting seating plans."

Mr Wirepa said he would be part of five shows this year, including the New Generation Designer Show and Resene Designer collection show. But he is keeping quiet on what will be shown in Auckland next week.

"This year the collection is top secret - no one outside of the fashion house is allowed to see the clothes. I can share though we have used bridal tulles, embellishments, metallics and lots of bling," he said.

"Inspiration comes from many directions for me. I especially like to draw from memories from my own life experiences, from my trash glamour days working in fast fashion retail business alongside working as a professional stylist, to other areas such as substance addictions and rock star partying and being raised in South Auckland.

"I also am inspired by my religion and spiritual experiences. God and the universe inspire me the most. I think it's important to be connected to yourself spiritually and intuitively. As an artistic person my influences are quite eclectic."