A stitch in time saves Hawke's Bay places on Project Runway

Misty Ratima, one of the Hawke's Bay designers in Project Runway New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

The biggest design show in the world has come to New Zealand, and two Hawke's Bay women are in to win the competition.

Misty Ratima from Napier, and Nicole Schmidt from Central Hawke's Bay, are both contestants on the inaugural Project Runway New Zealand.

The show, based on the American show Project Runway, pits 14 designers against each other, and each week they have to create garments with time, material and theme restrictions.

Ratima and Schmidt both have a fashion label already, TE KOHU and Forgotten Lockett respectively.

According to her profile on TVNZ, Ratima takes her inspiration from her Māori culture.

She said she became a designer because she never really liked clothes she saw in clothes shops.

She has created garments worn by singer Anika Moa.

Schmidt's expertise, according to her TVNZ profile, is lingerie and tailored jackets, and incorporates materials such as metal into her designs.

Nicole Schmidt, one of the Hawke's Bay designers on Project Runway New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

She said fashion was a way of expressing personality, feelings and could be used to make political statements.

"Something as simple as a summer dress can make me feel beautiful and free, or a leather-studded jacket makes me feel like I could take on the world."

Hosting the show is Georgia Fowler, a Kiwi model who has appeared on catwalks for labels such as Victoria's Secret and Chanel.

The judges are Sally-Ann Mullin, who edits Fashion Quarterly magazine, and Benny Castles from the label WORLD.

Andreas Mikellis, AUT University Senior Lecturer in the Fashion Design department will mentor the contestants.

The show will air on TVNZ 2 at 7.30pm starting Monday, October 1.