By ANGELA GREGORY
His name is synonymous with trackside glamour, and his upmarket designs made the women who could afford them feel on top of the world.
But Patrick Steel's fashion house, so successful in the 1980s and 1990s, has gone into liquidation.
Back then, Steel - with his oversized glasses and natty
moustache - had the label that well-coined women wanted to wear, probably on the outside if they could.
His clothes started being noticed in the 1970s, and in 1979 the 24-year-old Aucklander was named Young Designer of the Year at the Benson & Hedges fashion design awards.
His star would shine for years to come.
He won many awards and put his name to accessories such as jewellery and sunglasses.
Steel's designs were annual favourites at Ellerslie race days and featured in the Boxing Day Fashion in the Field competitions.
Steel, who is unwell, could not be reached for comment this week.
Former model and fashion event co-ordinator Di Goldsworthy said the collapse of Steel's business was tragic.
"He gave so much and was always the first to help with big charity shows."
Mrs Goldsworthy said Steel's talents did not stop with clothing.
"He was a real 'artiste'. He was also interested in interior design ... I hope he comes back with a vengeance and pursues that."
She had known Steel since he won his first fashion award as a teenager at a show she compered.
"The talent was there. I've really enjoyed watching his progress."
Steel had evolved into one of the best designers New Zealand had produced and his clothes were worn internationally.
Mrs Goldsworthy did not know why his business would have suffered, but said that despite his base of loyal followers, the demand for special-occasion clothes had fallen.
Former Herald fashion editor Susan Axford said the liquidation was bad news for the New Zealand fashion industry after the folding of the Nicholas Blanchet label last year.
Susan Axford said Steel made beautiful outfits and gave women a totally co-ordinated look.
But she felt his market had been shrinking as New Zealand became a more casual society.
