Ballerinas to model for iD collection

A fashion collection inspired by dance will be showcased at the iD Dunedin Fashion Show, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Dunedin designer Tamsin Cooper has created a collection titled Anniversary, which will be modelled in part by two Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) ballerinas, on the Dunedin Railway Station catwalk.iD organisers said it was the first time RNZB dancers had modelled in the annual show.

''iD audiences will no doubt enjoy the experience of the collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Ballet on the iD catwalk. Tamsin Cooper is always a popular part of the iD show and it is a fabulous opportunity to debut the Anniversary collection at iD,'' iD committee chairwoman Susie Staley said.

RNZB managing director Amanda Skoog said the collection showcase would be special for a number of reasons, ''not least'' for the involvement of dancers who had been released from their touring commitments in order to take part.

''We will be breaking new ground at iD Dunedin Fashion Week as the dancers bring their own brand of ballet magic to the runway,'' she said.

They will be dressed in coats and accessories from Cooper's collection, which features intricate hand embroidery and beading.

The collection marked an ongoing collaboration between Cooper and the RNZB, which began in 2009, the designer said.

It was also her 10th anniversary of being in business.

''It's a huge honour to be collaborating with the Royal New Zealand Ballet on a collection celebrating 60 years of the ballet being such an integral part of our national heritage. I feel very humbled by the honour and am certain that iD crowds will enjoy the collection's dramatic debut,'' Cooper said.

Live music will be performed during the show by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra assistant concertmaster Miranda Adams.

The violinist, who recently won the 2013 Auckland Philharmonia Foundation Scholarship, was born and raised in Dunedin and studied at the University of Otago.