Hot style for horse-mad fashionistas

A showjumping arena turned catwalk for two fashion shows at Horse of the Year this week, as models strutted out in the latest line from equestrian clothing label, b Vertigo.

Familiar faces including former New Zealand's Next Top Model contestant Rosanagh Wypych and Miss Waimarama 2012, Laura Blackbourn, took turns to twirl in stylised breeches, boots, riding tops and tailored jackets.

Nick White, owner of Hastings-based business The Tackshop, organised the event to showcase what's hot in equestrian style.

``It's a European label and they are always a couple of years ahead,'' he said. ``The show has a lot of people talking about the brand, which is great.''

Current Miss Aotearoa NZ, Angela Cudd, from Napier was charged with gathering a bevy of beauties to model in the fashion show.

But it was Mr White who got in touch with Rosanagh through Facebook and ran the competition which attracted the Miss Waimarama winner, Laura.

``We did a competition on our Facebook page, which was sort of a play on New Zealand's Next Top Model.

``Anyone over 16 could post a photo of themselves. The top three who got the most'likes' were then interviewed. We chose Laura because she's got a great personality and rides horses, so it was a good fit.''

As her prize, Laura won a professional photo shoot, catwalk training with Ms Cudd, some b Vertigo clothing and had her make-up professionally done for the fashion show.

All the models were in some way connected with Horse of the Year and had been keen to get involved.

``Rosanagh is a Hawke's Bay girl and all the girls knew someone who was riding, some of them are riders themselves.''

The fashion shows took place on Thursday and yesterday in front of the grandstand at Hawke's Bay Showgrounds in Hastings.