Celebrating New Zealand Fashion in Flowers

Celebrating New Zealand Fashion in Flowers

New Zealand's top fashion designers have flaunted their creations on the catwalk and now New Zealand's leading florists are working to turn their frocks into flowers.

Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) has signed a three-year alliance with the Ellerslie Flower Show to showcase the best of both industries at the 10th anniversary event from November 23-28.

Participating designers from labels like Vamp, Sagaguchi, Saga and Catalyst have each created a one-off garment inspired by the theme of 'Brilliance Fashion, Flowers and Fantasy'.

Their designs are now being interpreted by professional florists and floral art societies, with the results on display in the Floral Marquee at the 10th Anniversary Ellerslie Flower Show at the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens.

Fashion commentator and Simply You founder Paula Ryan will represent the fashion industry as one of the expert judges this year.

The Ellerslie Flower Show has also taken a leaf out of Air New Zealand Fashion Week's book to commission a range of exclusive commemorative T-shirts to celebrate the show's 10th birthday.

Vamp and Annah S have been selected to design the t-shirts, with popular children's label Pumpkin Patch creating two special designs for kids who visit the show.

In the Floral Marquee, up-and-coming floral designer Kristen Lee from XOX Flowers has been paired with Saga's Angela Hood.

"Angela's garment is floaty and immediately reminded me of a classic evening dress, so I'll be using lots of red or orange satin with orchids and red chrysanthemums," she hints.

The 27-year-old expects the collaboration with fashion designers to appeal to a new audience looking for fresh, contemporary ideas.

"Everyone loves fashion it's the 'in' thing and as a nation we now recognise the design talent coming out of the fashion world. If we can emulate that in the floral industry then it creates a nice synergy."

The 10th Anniversary Ellerslie Flower Show is on at the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens from November 23-28. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek. Early-bird discounts apply until October 31.

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