Adrian Hailwood leads the way. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Adrian Hailwood leads the way. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Adrian Hailwood is thinking big and hoping he's on a fast track to fashion success with his plans to open four stores in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin by the end of the year.

It's an ambitious plan for any designer. But fortunately for Hailwood - who is working on the final touches to his winter range - help is at hand.

Fellow designer Annah Stretton has come on board as a business partner to help him boost his label here and overseas.

Stretton, who has 14 years of experience in the fashion industry in and 30 stores throughout the country which stock her label Annah.S label, will offer her business skill while Hailwood will focus on what he does best - designing.

"There are no plans to combine our design interests," Hailwood says. "Our 'handwriting' is very different and we respect each other's creative base. My designs will remain 100 per cent me."

Hailwood acknowledges the differences in their fashion labels but says the new partnership is a winner. "Annah works at light speed - very different to me - but my company needed a good push."

Bag a bargain

Extreme sale alert. For end-of-season Prada, Miu Miu, Marni, Yohji Yamamoto, Yves Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten, Dolce & Gabbana and Comme des Garcons phone Yvonne Sanders on 021 720 965 to make a time to view from today until Friday (2 June). It will be worth all the secret squirrel effort as the clothing, bags and jewellery are being sold for as much as 50 per cent off the retail price.

Makeup moves up

Glamorpuss, the hip makeup boutique, is leaving its 290 Broadway address today and moving to the 21 Nuffield St building, also in Newmarket. The only snag is the smart new address isn't quite finished, so for a few weeks they're offering complimentary delivery for all orders over $20. Good news indeed for anyone who can't bear to be without their Becca cosmetics. Ph (09) 524 4741 or go to the Glamorpuss website to order.

The upmarket Nuffield St building will also have chic fashion boutiques, including Alannah Hill and Trelise Cooper Kids.

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