It was a rapid change of focus from the lens to the catwalk for Dunedin photographer James Russell on Friday night.
Mr Russell took to the lengthy passage of fashion at the Dunedin Railway Station after being unexpectedly elevated to the position by iD Dunedin Fashion Week international guest designer Paulo Melim Andersson.
The former Otago Boys’ High School pupil, who was hired to undertake photography for the fashion week, said he was photographing a fitting at a Dunedin hotel earlier this week with Mr Andersson.
The models left, but there was still some fitting to be done, and Mr Andersson asked him to step into the model’s role.
"I changed in the bedroom, and walked up and down the hallway outside," Mr Russell said.
Mr Andersson must have seen something in that hallway wandering, and what came next was something of a surprise.
"He just said, ‘You’re walking in the show’," Mr Russell said.
"I said, ‘OK’; I just nodded and agreed.
"He’s quite a strong personality."
Mr Russell was not trained in the arcane arts of the catwalk model, but managed to pull off an acceptable facsimile last night, despite "an underbelly of nerves" about making his catwalk debut.
Also new to the catwalk were Highlanders Waiseke Naholo, Lima Sopoaga, Dan Pryor and Ash Dixon.
The four modelled clothing by Swanndri, all eschewing the dismissive looks of professional models, instead breaking into smiles in response to the warm reception of the crowd.
Guests at the railway station also saw the latest fashions from annual favourites including NOM*d, DADA and Mild Red.
Dunedin designer Jane Avery’s Lapin brand of rabbit fur garments were also a highlight.
The iD Dunedin Fashion Show is on again at the railway station this evening.
