Summer catch up: Designer off to sparkling 2017 (+ video)

It has been a "wonderful" start to 2017 for local fashion designer Kharl WiRepa as he undertakes a six-week residency with the Arts Village's Open Space project.

"There are so many exciting things to come."

Mr WiRepa is one of three artists taking part in the project; alongside Roymata Holmes, focusing on dance, and visual artist Glenys Courtney-Strachan.

There had been a great response with lots of people coming in to view his work, he said.

"It's been great to interact with the public and for them to be able to see behind the scenes of dressmaking.

"I'm very excited to be able to bring fashion to the Arts Village."

During his time at the studio so far Mr WiRepa has been doing client work, including wedding dresses, and his Winter 2017 range which is to be launched in late July.

The range will be a move away from the bling that his label is known for, to sharp tailored wear including fur coats and corporate suits.

Mr WiRepa said he was gearing up for the year ahead with an array of local projects on the cards, including the OHO Fashion Show in April, the Miss Rotorua Pageant in July, and New Zealand Fashion Week in August.

He has played a major role in getting the local pageant running and said the response had been huge.

"It is an industry that is growing but is unlike the Americanised idea of what a pageant is.

"We've had so many messages from young women wanting to enter and we are really looking forward to bringing this platform to the city.

"I am so grateful to all the people in the community who have supported us through this journey and now I want to be able to give back and help other young Rotorua people achieve their dreams."