Top models selected from fashion show to walk in Sydney show

Kharl WiRepa (left) and Hannah Tamaki at the pre-party.

After giving it their all when strutting their stuff, four models have been selected to walk for Rotorua designer Kharl WiRepa in Sydney.

They will be walking when he showcases his fashion house at the Pacific Runway in Sydney in October.

The models were selected from the OHO Fashion Show which was held on Friday night at the Rotorua Lakes Council.

The show also acted as a fundraiser to help offset the cost of taking the models to Sydney.

The four models going on the trip are Tevan Brandt, Nae Hapeta, Wae Winitana and Promise Royal.

Mr WiRepa said the original idea was to select three models but this year the judges decided to have a wild card.

The judges were Marie Farquhar, Karin Horen and Nataria TeKeeti.

Looked like a great night!

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Friday, 28 April 2017

He said the show was an absolute success and everyone who attended was dressed up to the nines.

"I was so impressed with the turnout, it was a sell-out event."

Mr WiRepa said there were many great girls that evening and those selected had the attitude, professionalism and determination on the catwalk which made them stand out.

There were about 50 models who took part in the show from both in and out of Rotorua.

Mr WiRepa said the atmosphere was incredible and they lit the Galleria up with crystal trees, and pink and blue lighting. They also had palm trees.

He said the atmosphere backstage with the models had been calm and uplifting.

Mr WiRepa said he was excited about the upcoming show in Sydney.

"I can't wait for us to represent our region and showcase the fashion of Rotorua."

He said he enjoyed working with people from his hometown as they had an understanding and could relate to each other.

Promise Royal, 17, said being one of the four models going to Sydney was exciting.

"I was pretty stoked and excited. I had a little scream."

She said she was looking forward to the Sydney show as it would be a different kind of experience and the models going were close so it would be fun.

The OHO Fashion Show had been pretty exciting and was handled well for the models. She said it was probably one of the best shows she had done so far.

Mr WiRepa wanted to thank everyone who had supported the show, including mayor Steve Chadwick, Creative Communities, Peter and Valeta Duncan, Samala Cosmetics, the team from The Hits and local business owner Hilda Dufty from Salon St Bruno.

Chosen Models:
- Tevan Brandt
- Nae Hapeta
- Wae Winitana
- Promise Royal