Local designers savour Fashion Week

STYLE: Rotorua fashion designer Kharl-William Wirepa (right) with a model at New Zealand Fashion Week. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Two Rotorua fashion designers are enjoying the success of showing at New Zealand Fashion Week.

Adrienne Whitewood and Kharl-William Wirepa had their collections on full display at the Miromoda show in Auckland yesterday morning.

It was the fourth time Ms Whitewood was part of Fashion Week but said there were still a few nerves before the show.

"I get nervous every year. You never know what it's going to look like until it all comes together," she said.

"The show was really good. I got a bit of media coverage and dressing the models went smoothly. I'm now waiting for the reviews, which will probably come out next week.

"It won't be for another three weeks to a month before I see results, whether it's on our Facebook page, or having new followers, but it's all about brand awareness."

Ms Whitewood said she had positive feedback backstage from bloggers admiring her designs and had the strong support of her business mentor and family who had travelled to Rotorua to be part of the audience.

"It's all about being on a platform, showing people what you've got and keeping them up to date. I have many Auckland clients so for me it's a must to come up here."

Her collection which is called "Maoriana" will be shown as part of the Rotorua Hospice black-tie dinner with an All Blacks fundraiser next month.

For Mr Wirepa, a Waiariki Institute of Technology student, it was his first time at Fashion Week.

"The show went really well. There was a great reaction from the crowd and as soon it was over people from fashion magazines came running to the back wanting it for their photo shoots," he said.

"The highlight for me this week was most definitely the catwalk show. I've spent a long time working on the collection and you put so much into it. We do have sponsors and support but the whole thing is under our name, our reputation and it's important for us to see it moving and coming through 100 per cent," Mr Wirepa said.

"My main goals were to network with industry professionals and make sure the show goes well. I've been up late every day this week and only got two hours of sleep but you've got to be there, networking, making sure you grab all those opportunities."