Thumbs Up From Industry For Fashion Week

For immediate release fashion - 1 August 2, 2002

THUMBS UP FROM INDUSTRY FOR FASHION WEEK DESIGNER LINE-UP

The designers chosen to show their collections at the L'Oréal New Zealand Fashion Week 2002 are already winning accolades.

At the official launch in Auckland last night, more than 200 of the industry's most influential figures applauded the line up of designers as even more exciting than last year.

The editor of fashion industry trade magazine Apparel, Ms Mapihi Opai, says the strength of this year's line-up clearly reflects the success of the inaugural event.

"The majority of former participants are returning to the catwalk and several designers who were noticeably absent from last year's programme have signed-up for 2002," says Ms Opai.

"There's also a good pool of relatively new talent who will pique the interest of international buyers and media looking for fresh labels.

"It's fair to say that last year's event surpassed most people's expectations and the organisers really outdid themselves by plying international buyers and media with good old-fashioned Kiwi hospitality. The Australian buyers were most impressed and are looking forward to making the trip again.

"L'Oréal New Zealand Fashion Week gives the local fashion industry greater cohesion, with designers working alongside one another to achieve common objectives.

"There's a buzz of excitement this year that was somewhat lacking from the build-up to the first event and with the experience of 2001 behind organisers and designers alike, they look set to raise the standard for 2002. It's a great time to be involved in New Zealand fashion," Ms Opai says.

Guest speaker, Hon Fran Wilde, CEO of strategic partner, Trade New Zealand also praised the concept of the event as having had "a very strong and positive impact".

L' Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week Managing Director Pieter Stewart said many of the designers at last night's event were humbled by the praise they are receiving.

"Many of these designers have worked for years for recognition. Now they are reaping the rewards with excellent sales at home and offshore. There is huge potential for the industry and a great generosity of spirit among the designers in terms of sharing ideas on growing the market for New Zealand fashion."

Collections at this year's L'Oréal New Zealand Fashion Week will show in Auckland from October 21 to 24, with access for the public on Fashion Friday October 25.

More than 50 labels have been chosen to feature in the event including a dozen 11 'New Generation' designers.

A full list of designers showing is available on the official website www.nzfashionweek.com

About L'Oréal New Zealand Fashion Week: L'Oréal New Zealand Fashion Week is designed to showcase to the world New Zealand's "defiantly different" fashion attitude. A number of new prominent, high profile buyers and media will be invited to attend this year's event together with many who attended last year and are keen to come back.

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Issued for L'Oréal New Zealand Fashion Week by the L'Oréal New Zealand Fashion Week media office.

Contacts: Cathy Campbell - L'Oréal New Zealand Media Office - Tel: (09) 918 5555 media@nzfashionweek.com

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