The heels are polished, the hairspray is at the ready and the runway is set for the return of New Zealand Fashion Week!
The most fashionable from here and abroad will flock to Auckland to see the collections our talented designers have whipped up.
In preparation for the big event, which officially kicks off today and has a special Fashion Weekend for the public on August 27-28, let us introduce some of the stylish men who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it a success.
To read our Q&A with some of the women behind NZFW, click here.
PAK PEACOCKE, Event Producer
What does your role at NZFW involve?
I’m responsible for all the technical things that make up a show. Things like the sound, seating, lighting and fencing.
How many years have you worked at NZFW?
16 years, since it started.
What’s the biggest challenge for you at NZFW?
Probably the biggest challenge is bringing our team and the designers expectations into the same place so that everybody leaves happy!
What is your favourite NZFW memory?
I’ve got to say I’ve found that the generosity of Dame Pieter Stewart (NZFW founder) to the community over the years for me has been the biggest thing.
What’s the craziest fashion show you’ve had to work on?
We do about 35 shows each year so in total I’ve done 400 or 500 shows, so it would be the designers like Trelise Cooper and World that do spectacular and the most memorable shows.
Can you sum up NZFW in one word?
Aspirational.
Do you have any particular shows you are looking forward to this year?
The last one – just getting to the end intact!
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Calm, diplomatic and focused on the best outcome.
JONO PARKER, Photographer
How many years have you been working in the industry?
4 years
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without during fashion week?
My two cameras – a Canon 1D and a Canon 5D.
What would you consider to be the highlight of your career so far?
Shooting backstage and street style at New York Fashion Week last year.
What does NZFW mean to you?
I guess NZFW is all about showcasing the designers in the most beautiful way and just producing beautiful content that puts New Zealand on the map.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say street luxe.
What was your first camera?
I started on digital cameras, not film, so it was a Sony A700.
What show are you looking forward to the most?
Stolen Girlfriends Club is always a good show. Their choice of location for the runway is always very unique and they always tend to push the boundaries a little bit.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be?
Kanye West – I’d just love to hear what he’d have to say!
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative, ambitious and open minded.
VINNY SHERRY, Communications Director
How many years have you worked at NZFW for?
Since 2007, so nine years.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing this year at NZFW?
Probably World just because they haven’t shown at NZFW for a while and I have never been to one of their shows myself.
What is your favourite NZFW memory?
I’ve got a lot of them! But probably the madness of the Richie Rich show with Pamela Anderson was pretty full on for me. Every media wanted to talk to them and they were being fashion divas which was quite good fun.
What’s one thing you can’t live without during fashion week?
Coffee.
What can people expect at NZ Fashion Weekend this year?
Fashion Weekend is going to be lots of fun with amazing shows like Trelise Cooper, Andrea Moore, Federation and World of course. If you are into fashion there is definitely something to love.
Can you sum up NZFW in one word?
Fabulous.
Why is NZFW important?
It’s really important because NZ has such good talent that we can showcase to not only the rest of the country but the world. NZFW delivers something different from the rest of the world and NZ designers can offer a fresh perspective.