Rotorua's X factor on catwalk

Rotorua MP Todd McClay will be among local personalities on the runway in a charity fashion show next month featuring local clothing and accessory designers.

Organised by business networking group Rotorua X, the Designer Runway Show on August 8 will donate all proceeds from the night to the Rotorua branch of charity Dress for Success.

Rotorua X founder Darren McGarvie said for the past three years they had run regular events for the city's "Generation X" business owners and professionals. This year they'd decided to mix it up a bit, venturing into fashion.

"We've decided to create a big city event to add a spark to this winter's social calendar and provide a platform to showcase Rotorua's fashion and accessory design businesses, all proceeds going to a great local charity," said Mr McGarvie.

He said tickets had sold out within days of going on sale, the interest in the event catching him slightly by surprise.

However he hoped to make the show an annual event, perhaps even leading to a future Rotorua Fashion Week.

Fellow organiser Linda Macpherson said local designers and the business community had been quick to get behind the idea, donating their time, services and the venue.

"For a new event we thought it would be better to go small and sell out," said Ms Macpherson.

Designers showing their latest ranges would include Miromoda Fashion Awards supreme winner Adrienne Whitewood, who will show at this year's New Zealand and Melbourne Fashion Weeks.

Others confirmed so far include Iwi Creations hosiery, REVEL Design, JB Collections jewellery, Amiria Skipworth and seven emerging designers from Waiariki Institute of Technology.