Less than two years after completing her studies, Liz Turner has achieved what many designers spend a career striving for - a show at Fashion Week.
The Mount Maunganui woman has been selected to show her label Riddle Me This as part of the New Generation show.
It's a high accolade for
a designer who started her label after graduating from the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic's fashion design diploma in 2008.
Her first collection was released last year and the label has already gained a strong following and is stocked in 13 stores across the country.
Still just 21, Mrs Turner hopes that New Zealand Fashion Week will see that growth flourish.
"I'd like to grow my profile and get more publicity for Riddle Me This, so I'm known more in the industry and in the public."
Mrs Turner went to Fashion Week last year as an exhibitor but the intensity has ramped up a notch now she has a show, with 10 models to dress in 12 outfits.
And she said the event, regarded as a highlight on the fashion industry calendar, was a lot of hard work.
"People think it's fun and glamorous and parties but it's not, it's tiring, hours of hard work and networking."
While most people are starting to think about their summer wardrobe as the weather gets warmer, Fashion Week is all about the clothes we'll be wearing next winter.
Riddle Me This' winter collection, Stranger in Moscow, is the label's biggest yet.
"There's quite a Russian feel to it. I have got lots of inspiration from Russia and farms and vintage as well. There's definitely a vintage element in there."
Mrs Turner, whose Fashion Week appearance is sponsored by the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, is excited but nervous about the event, which kicks off on Tuesday next week.
"I feel fairly intimidated but not in a bad way. I totally don't know what to expect in terms of showing on the catwalk. That's what's exciting but nerve-racking as well. But I'm keen for the challenge."
Mrs Turner first started thinking about being a fashion designer at 12.
The label's whimsical name reflects its identity, which Mrs Turner describes as "quirky and adventurous".
"[Riddle Me This] is something we used to say in high school, if you were being a bit cheeky ... it's just a phrase we used to use."
No joke as Riddle Me This takes stage
Less than two years after completing her studies, Liz Turner has achieved what many designers spend a career striving for - a show at Fashion Week.
The Mount Maunganui woman has been selected to show her label Riddle Me This as part of the New Generation show.
It's a high accolade for
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