Dazzling Dunedin makes a statement

The 10th anniversary iD Dunedin Fashion Show lived up to its billing as a "a truly Dunedin occasion" on Saturday night, wowing the sellout crowd with collections varying from retrospective to futuristic, and just about everything in between.

Southern Trust iD Fashion Show slideshow 

The show, held at the Dunedin Railway Station, looks set to become bigger next year, with organisers saying there could be two sessions of the main show to increase revenue.

However, a final decision on whether the show would be held next year was dependent on a major sponsor being found, iD Fashion Committee chairwoman Susie Staley said.

"We firmly believe that iD Fashion can be a permanent fixture in the international fashion calendar but to do so we need a primary or principal funding partner to work with us on an ongoing basis."

She was "very, very pleased" with the week's events.

She said the reaction to the show had been overwhelmingly positive.

"The event . . . creates a huge opportunity to showcase Dunedin nationally and internationally."

The MCs on Saturday, John Campbell and Carol Hirschfeld, were back for their fifth year.

Mr Campbell said the show was a "truly Dunedin occasion".

"You guys embrace this in a way the rest of the country is yet to do."

The pair noted how the week had developed in its 10 years.

"The first year there was one show.

''Now, there is a whole week of fashion," Ms Hirschfeld said.

"Perhaps the greatest flattery is to be taken seriously, and this week has achieved that."

The week started with an opening night retrospective parade at the Otago Museum on Tuesday, and was followed by the Ornate Dunedin Jewellery Celebration, which showed the work of 15 of Dunedin's jewellers, Starlight Shopping and library tours of old Vogue collections.

More than 80 media representatives from New Zealand and Australia attended the fashion week, including the online editor of Vogue Australia.

Guest designer Francis Hooper of WORLD, with a collection of crystal-encrusted garments, received probably the biggest reaction of the night.

However, Tanya Carlson (Carlson) and Donna Tulloch (Mild Red) also received rapturous applause for their retrospective collections, which featured garments from the past 10 years.

Shortland Street actor Ben Mitchell, who modelled for Elusiv, proved a favourite with the women in the crowd.