Daring Divas

For the women who perform in Tarnished Frocks and Divas, Tauranga's bi-annual costume and music catwalk show, modelling not only gives confidence but changes lives write Jenny Rudd and Annemarie Quill.

Diva moment of 2011? Jennifer Lopez in a sequined bodysuit performing On the Floor in American Idol. The show changed her life - Jenny from the block was propelled to superstar status. During the series, the 41-year-old mother of twins was voted the world's most beautiful women by People magazine. The stage can transform someone from ordinary to extraordinary. Age is not a barrier to a diva, but a prerequisite. Think Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada and Helen Mirren in The Queen. On and off stage they have the magic 'c' - confidence. The world has tired of cougars and is now celebrating beautiful divas.
Never a city to be far from a global movement, Tauranga plays host every other year to Tarnished Frocks and Divas, a music and fashion show designed to celebrate women in the second stage of life. Every model in the show is over 40.
The show's creative director, Judith Bell hunts out potential divas. She has a knack of digging out those with huge wells of potential. Judith gathers her ladies from the supermarkets, shops and parks and puts them through a rigorous schedule of training starting months before the show. It's hard to imagine the rock star-like buzz of parading down a catwalk in front of thousands, clad in the most exquisitely embellished dresses and heels. Indulge speaks to three divas who experienced this thrill in 2009. For them, Tarnished Frocks and Divas was not just a one-night stand. It had a profound effect on their lives. As Judith Bell, says "The show is more than just a show. It's a celebration of who we have become - and where we can still go".
Leilani Chinnery

Tarnished Frocks and Divas not only changed my life, but my name. In 2009 I was tying a bouquet in my florist shop in New World, Mount Maunganui when I noticed a woman staring at the flowers for a long time. I didn't know it, but it was Judith Bell. She casually asked me if I had ever done any modelling or if I could dance. Little did I know that over the next couple of years, thanks to Tarnished Frocks, I would go on to model for La de da Boutique, Bettie Monroe and Repertoire.
At the first rehearsal, I introduced myself as Leilani. One of my Hawaiian customers had given me the nickname, meaning 'heavenly flower'. Ever since the show, I have used that name. This year I'm going to change my name by deed poll for my birthday.
The rehearsals and show were like playing in the world's biggest dressing up box. My imagination ran riot while researching my characters for the show and I enjoyed taking direction. One of the roles I played in the show really resonated with me. She was inspired by a bust in Judith's house - a joyful and colourful character bedecked in a turban and earrings. Very Carmen Miranda. I watched old film clips to get into the character.
Next step for me, I would really like to do some acting. I want to get back on that stage.
Carolyn O'Neill
You could say that Tarnished Frocks changed the course of my life. I am a few weeks away from giving birth to my first child. But I might never have conceived if I hadn't made friends with herbalist Helen Loe, another 'Diva'. Back in 2009, I was very happy to be asked to model for Tarnished Frocks.
I had done some modelling years ago in my twenties, and it was nice to know I could still rock it on the catwalk twenty years later. At that time, I had been trying for a baby for a few years. I met Helen at rehearsals and she told me about her company, Herbal Health. Sometime after the show, I decided that I was going to spend a year or two giving it my all to have a baby so that if it didn't happen, I could be at peace with myself knowing I gave it my best shot.
I contacted Helen and went for a consultation. She chatted to me about my health in general. Among other things, Helen pinpointed I had a recurring urinary tract infection. She prescribed an herbal tea called 'golden flow' to drink twice a day.
 I drank that tea and two months later I was pregnant. Who would have thought spending some time dolled up on a catwalk, meeting an herbal diva and drinking her tea would bring me a much longed for child.
Monique van Aken
Tarnished Frocks came at a time when I was starting to rediscover myself. In 2009 my confidence was really low. I was nearing fifty and in previous years my marriage had broken down and I was made redundant. My best friend Shelley was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of that year. Another friend of mine had already been selected as a model for the 2009 Tarnished Frocks show, and I went along one evening with her.
At the end of the night Jude asked me to join the show. I was excited about doing something so completely out of my comfort zone. I feel so proud of myself for modelling in front of hundreds of people four nights in a row as I've never been one to push myself to the forefront. The experience made me want to say yes to every opportunity. I began dragon boating and recently I started to learn the modern jive. Myself and a group of friends, including Shelley, have started up a dance troupe called the Lipstick Divas. I learned in Tarnished Frocks that life is for celebrating.
* This year the Bay of Plenty Times' very own Deb Batkins has been chosen to be singing and dancing in the show. Indulge will bring you 'Deb's Diary of a Diva' in a future issue. Tarnished Frocks and Divas is at Mills Reef Winery from September 14 to 17. Tickets available at www.ticketdirect.co.nz. The Bay of Plenty Times is a sponsor.