Fashion Week, now in its eighth year, was officially opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark last night. She spoke about the importance of the multi-million dollar industry to the country and the success New Zealand fashion labels have had here and overseas.
Buyers and media from around the world have gathered in Auckland for the showcase, designed to generate sales for designers and find new global markets.
It was standing room only at the highly anticipated World show as fashion industry insiders sat alongside New Zealand personalities and journalists.
With bold colours, stark black blunt bobbed wigs on the models and plenty of sparkles, the World collection entitled 'There is No Depression in New Zealand' received a standing ovation from the audience, with label principals Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Francis Hooper taking to the stage after the show.
Other designers set to hold shows this week include Trelise Cooper, whose children's show is always a crowd favourite, Zambesi, Nom*D, Karen Walker and Huffer.
Some of the new talent include Stitch Ministry, Emma, Doosh and Moneyshot.
Australian designer Kirrily Johnston became the first Australian fashion designer to have a show at New Zealand's Fashion Week this afternoon.
Research into the economic impact of Air New Zealand Fashion Week found it to be worth an estimated $23.2 million to the New Zealand economy in terms of total output generated, and an estimated $19.2 million to the Auckland economy.
Australia is New Zealand's key market for apparel exports, taking 71 percent of our total apparel exports to the world.
