Let Perrys dress you for special times

The return of a daughter from overseas is helping rev up Brian Perry's hobby business - selling gowns for special occasions.

Mr Perry said he had worked in design, fashion and importing and been to invited to international fashion shows as a VIP - which was quite different from his current day job in Wanganui.

"I have a knack of procuring gowns that women love. It's one of my passions.

"I can have a woman walk in and, instantly, I know what to dress her in and she will come out looking a million dollars."

When his daughter could not find the right gown for her Wanganui Girls' College ball 10 years ago, Mr Perry realised there was a gap in the market and started a hobby wholesale business, selling gowns to shops.

He also designed some and had them manufactured.

However, over time, several shops selling the gowns closed, including two in Wanganui.

The business was at a low ebb when daughter Heather returned from teaching English at Nizwa College of Applied Sciences in Oman. After landing a four-day-a-week job teaching health education in schools, she was looking about for another interest.

About a year ago, the two decided to rev the gown business up and asked Josh Kosmala, of Subvert Web Design and Development, to set up a website.

In July, the pair had a photo shoot of Wanganui models in their gowns. It took place at Protege Hairdressing, with hair and make-up done for the girls and photography by John Roestenburg.

The pictures are on the new website, www.brianperrygowns.com, which has been operating for about a month now.

The business also has a Facebook page. And its online presence is paying off, attracting attention from pageant holders and others.

Mr Perry said his gowns were quality, rare and high end. They were made in China and small stocks were stored in Wanganui.

He aimed to have a dress in every style, size and colour - and limited in numbers so women were guaranteed a fresh look on big occasions.

The site will have a secure payment facility and the Perrys are hoping the business will grow to cover not only this country but Australia and overseas. They're also hoping they will be able to work on it full-time.