Seven Top New Zealand Designers, One Catwalk, One Stylist – Westpac Creates Fashion History.

The tone of 2007’s fashion is innovation, and the colour is Westpac Red.

Westpac, elite sponsor of Air New Zealand Fashion Week will kick off the collections with the exclusive, invitation-only, Red Collection on Saturday 15 September 2007.

As part of Westpac’s ongoing support of New Zealand fashion, the Red Collection will set the tone with what may be the most unique and innovative show of the week. More than 350 special guests will enjoy a supper and specially created catwalk show with outfits from seven of New Zealand’s top designers styled and shown together.

This year, leading make up artist and stylist Margaret Petchell will style the Red Collection fashion show. Petchell has worked with models including Rachel Hunter, Kylie Bax, and Sarah O’Hare.

Westpac is ecstatic the five designers from last years inaugural Red Collection are returning for a second year. This year designers - Zambesi, Trelise Cooper, Liz Mitchell, Adrienne Winkelmann and Huffer - will also be joined by Yvonne Bennetti and Tanya Carlson.

Last year’s inaugural show proved one of the most talked about of the week, and once again the Red Collection will be the hot ticket for Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

"Westpac New Zealand is very proud to continue our support of New Zealand's fashion industry. Every year the industry and this event go from strength to strength. We are thrilled that all five designers from last year's event are keen to be part of the Red Collection, and that we've attracted two more top designers this year," says chief executive Brad Cooper.

The Red Collection collaboration reflects Westpac’s commitment to supporting the New Zealand Fashion industry, the business of fashion and the wider business community.

Westpac’s involvement with Fashion week will this year also include:

* Elite Sponsor status

* Providing cash-out facilities throughout the vast Halsey Street venue

* Providing free business information – including the ‘Beyond Survival’ Business advice guide

ENDS