Sir Ed-inspired designs seek fashion foothold

Turet Knuefermann's designs will feature on New Zealand Fashion Week's first night. Photo / Doug Sherring

With the launch of the Edmund Hillary activewear label to the glamour of Trelise Cooper, NZ Fashion Week promises to have plenty of highs writes Viva Editor Amanda Linnell.

For daily in-depth coverage of New Zealand Fashion Week go to Viva.co.nz

The most glamorous event on the fashion calendar kicks off tonight with local designer Turet Knuefermann opening the seven days of New Zealand Fashion Week 2018.

Knuefermann, who is the recipient of this year's prestigious Mercedes-Benz Presents Award, will bring her sophisticated and elegant designs to the runway. The opening show aims to set the bar for the week with key members of the fashion industry, along with local and international media and buyers in attendance.

Over the following days the Viaduct Events Centre will also see a selection of young New Zealand designers and labels in the New Generation Couture group show and the NZFW Graduate show.

A highlight, tomorrow is the launch of the Edmund Hillary clothing brand designed and created by Sir Ed's grandsons Alexander Hillary and George Hillary. The luxury men's activewear brand takes inspiration from the famous mountaineer's very own threads, and those of Sherpa Tenzing's, worn on the legendary 1953 expedition up Everest.

Other anticipated highlights of the week include shows by seasoned designers Adrian Hailwood whose evening wear is always a hit with Auckland socialites, Trelise Cooper who attracts an A-list front row with her always glamorous collections, and on Thursday night when Huffer takes over the Powerstation for an off-site show which will include a performance by US rapper Desiigner - the man behind the hit track Panda which has had more than 430 million YouTube views worldwide of its accompanying music video.

On Friday the Viaduct Events Centre switches it up for the public three day Fashion Weekend where everyone can experience fashion and beauty workshops, masterclasses and in-season shows from the likes of Zambesi. Tickets available from iticket.co.nz