Fashioning a stylish reputation

By FIONA HAWTIN, fashion editor

The fashion fraternity is gearing up for the chance to show off New Zealand's fashion talent to Sex and the City stylist Rebecca Weinberg when she comes to the New Zealand Fashion Week.

The week runs from October 21 to 25. On the last day, Fashion Friday, the public can get a glimpse of the week's highlights.

Designer Trelise Cooper is excited about the leading New York stylist's attendance. "The fact that she's here gives it a real stamp of credibility, that it's hip, cool and the place to be."

She met Ms Weinberg this year at a fashion show that was showcasing New Zealand labels, including Nom D, Zambesi and Trelise Cooper.

They were both wearing the same Trelise Cooper jacket, as Ms Weinberg had taken 12 of Cooper's garments back to New York with her from the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Because actor Sarah Jessica Parker was pregnant and unable to wear them, she had taken the liberty of wearing them herself.

With Patricia Field, Ms Weinberg was responsible for the starring role the clothes have taken in the television programme.

At times, the outfits have been more important than the sex the hit series was named after.

Indeed, clothes and accessories have become part of the storyline.

For instance, the Hermes Birkin bag gets top billing in one episode when Samantha goes after a Birkin bag with the same amount of gusto she normally reserves for hunting men.

Ms Weinberg has been decorated for her talent at putting together outfits and creating trends.

She won an Emmy award last year for her outstanding costumes in Sex and the City. And the Accessories Council two years ago awarded Ms Weinberg and Ms Field the Accessories Council of Excellence Award for their contributions to consumer awareness and use of accessories.

Although Ms Weinberg worked on the series of Sex and the City that has yet to screen here, she has now moved on, concentrating on editorial styling and music videos.

Clients include Britney Spears and Destiny's Child.

She is hoping to find new fashion for her clients. "I just want to come and see as many parades and speak to as many people as I can, especially the young designers.

"By coming to New Zealand and immersing myself in fashion I can see myself helping bridge the gap of knowledge about NZ fashion."

She will also take part at the Industry New Zealand public fashion seminar Fashion Lab on Friday with designer Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and fashion week director Pieter Stewart.

Fashion Week is sponsored by L'Oreal.