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De Lorenzo/Sergios Canterbury Fashion Week 2007
New Zealand's Largest and Most Presitigous Racing & Fashion Event
Denyse Saunders owner/founder and Management Company of De Lorenzo/Sergios Canterbury Fashion Week (DLSCFW) says, "DLSCFW is New Zealand's largest and most prestigious fashion and racing event. We are the Melbourne of New Zealand."
An economic impact study commissioned by the New Zealand Racing Board shows during the seven days of racing in November each year, fashion comes out the biggest winner. With 5,100 items purchased during the seven days of racing. This equated to more than $1.1 million spent and included 886 hats, 289 pairs of sunglasses and 527 items of jewellery.
Over the 10 weeks leading up to and including Cup Week brings in $10 million in fashion and related business sales to Canterbury. Most of this is all atributed to one day of the year - Cup Day at Addington Raceway.
"Many of the sales start in September along with our pre cup week fashion shows," explains Denyse Saunders. "These are fun nights featuring Cup Week fashions where ladies can choose their complete cup day outfit from top to toe...shoes, hat, bag, makeup, jewellery and of course that all important outfit!
Many Canterbury fashions designers and retailers make their biggest sales of the year from September through to Cup Day at Addington on Tuesday 13th November as all age groups dress up for Canterbury's week of fashion."
Opening New Zealand Cup & Show Week and the De Lorenzo/Sergios Canterbury Fashion Week with a flourish is the Deutz Canterbury Collections 2007 upmarket black tie dinner and fashion show on Thursday 8 November.
The Deutz Canterbury Collections shows off the new season's collections from 30 leading Canterbury fashion houses, designers, jewellers and milliners… that include Sakaguchi, Frankie, Lisa Maree, Carolyn Barker, Marc Bendall…Lifetime Achievement awards are presented to some of New Zealand's leading fashion innovators in celebration of their huge contribution to the fashion industry. Followed by a fantastic afert show party. VIP guests fly in from all over New Zealand and Australia along with the racing fraternity, the fashion and beauty industry, corporates and celebrities…This is truly an evening not to be missed!
Several fashion events follow throughout the week, including the most sought after day of the year at Addington Raceway on Tuesday 13th November.
A fashion parade in the Lindauer Fashion Marquee on Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Addington Raceway is followed by the Lindauer Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Man, BodyArt and Raceday Artwear competitons…and if watching all that fabulous fashion gets too much for you, relax back in style in the Pamper Room in the Lindauer Fashion Marquee!
The finals of the Lindauer Likely Lads competition at Addington Raceway on Friday 16 November on the Lindauer Lawn is another fun day when real Kiwi men get to strut their stuff on their catwalk. The ladies show their legs in the Dr Robert Beulink Lovely Legs competition - oh what fun!!
Just to get in to swing of things before the big week the preview De Lorenzo/ Sergios Canterbury Fashion Week events include Fashion & a Flutter in September and Do It On The Lawn! a pre cup party on the Lindauer Lawn in October.
At the many fashion events - wear a fabulous hat - that stunning outfit you have always wanted to wear- the highest shoes - the smallest bag - pamper yourself at the hairdressers and beauty therapist - eat out every night - have fun - be fabulous! After all it is New Zealand's largest and most prestigious racing and fashion event De Lorenzo/Sergios Canterbury Fashion Week and New Zealand Cup & Show Week.
"This is the dressiest week of year!" says Denyse Saunders, "It is fun to dress up once a year, and no where does it better than Christchurch! The glamour of racing and fashion combine to make this week 8th to 17th November the week to be in Canterbury as everyday we have some fabulous event that is simply a must to be at!
"To keep up to date with all the fashion and racing events log onto www.canterburyfashionweek.com," We look forward to the dressiest party of the year in Canterbury in November 2007!" enthuses Denyse.
One designer took out a record five awards at this years
Christchurch Casino Canterbury Fashion Week 2005 Collections & Awards!
Takaaki Sakaguchi not only won the Supreme Award but also the Innovative Fabric, Creative, Design of Elegance and High Fashion Designer awards. Described by the international and national judging panel as, "brilliant"
The high energy, fast paced show saw over 30 collections showing current and next seasons fashions.
Founder/ managing Director of the Christchurch Casino Canterbury Fashion Week Denyse Saunders said, "The response to the show has been overwhelmingly positive, which is great for the Canterbury fashion industry."
The Canterbury Fashion Collections & Awards launches a week of fashion and races in Canterbury with the New Zealand Cup & Show Week and the Christchurch Casino Canterbury Fashion Week from the 4th to 12th November.
"The high calibre of design collections shown is reflective of the burgeoning fashion industry in Canterbury, "says Denyse Saunders, "With designers such as Takaaki Sakaguchi whose work is of a world wide standard."
Award went to the new and exciting label Lisa Maree by designer Lisa Facoory for Breeze Apparel.
Carolyn Barker designer for Plush won for the third year the Dr Robert Beulink Appearance Medicine Streetwear Designer.
New young designer Aimee Reed won the Sonya Smith EOthers winners included John & Marilyn McLaughlin receiving the Deutz Lifetime Achievement award for their successful Kimberley's empire which is based in Canterbury.
Ballantynes Contemporary Lounge won The Press Best Fashion Retailer. The Contemporary Lounge ushers in a new approach to retailing not only in New Zealand but throughout Australasia. Light, bright and buzzing, it is all about chic high fashion and directional street apparel displayed with a high level of creativity.
Multi award winning fashion designer Sonya Smith won the SkinWorks Day Spa Eveningwear Designer.
Well respected Canterbury designer Jan Marie Cooke won the Addington Raceway Race Wear Fashion Designer.
Fashion jeweller Marion McKellow won both the Rydges Christchurch Jewellery Designer and the Best Fashion Window Awards.
Milliner extraordinaire Liz Ende Hats won for the third year in a row the Laing Contractors Ltd Fashion Accessories Designer Award.
The Fredrick Ashley Lifestyle Designermerging Designer Award.
The Flower Room Florist Bridal Designer went once again to Louise Anderson Bridal Design for her stunning collection of innovative and faltering bridal gowns.
Judged by Viviens Model Management, Sydney, Brooke Knox won the Supermodel title for 2005.
Sakaguchi
Takaaki Sakaguchi became head designer in a leading Japanese fashion company, Koshino, taking part twice yearly in the Paris Fashion Collections.
The launch of his own label in New Zealand is slight, thoughtful and creative. He now works with the influences of both Japanese kimono and western design.
Since the launch of his first ready-to-wear collection in 2003, the business recently successfully completed its fourth export delivery and, in March, this year the wholesale account base increased by more than 100%. Now Sakaguchi Ltd, the company plans to continue adding to its Australasian client base.
John & Marilyn McLaughlin of Kimberleys
Starting out with one small fashion store in the Gloucester Arcade in 1977 and then another store at the Papanui Roundabout, eventually moving into Merivale Mall in 1979 and New Brighton.
The expansion of this retail empire has gown quickly throughout New Zealand that now boasts 13 stores with a 14th due in the near future.
Continuing to be based here in a Canterbury they are one of New Zealand's largest exporters to Australia and the largest importer of knitwear into New Zealand.
Like previous winners of the Deutz Lifetime Achievement Award - Pat & Margaret Quinn, William & Barbara Lee, this too is a partnership that compliments each other.
John & Marilyn McLaughlin are aggressive in their passion for fashion.
With a developed eye Marilyn designs 70% of the retail fashion under several labels and imports from some of Europe's top labels. Marilyn designs 4 new collections each year and attends 2 European collections annually.John is the astute business and financial wiz behind this fashion empire.
The Contemporary Lounge, Ballantynes
Imagine a one stop shop where you can sit in a modern café watching people having their hair styled, or browsing racks of top international fashion brands. You might see some young fashionsita trying on a pair of shoes, while her mother eyes up some funky jewellery and her grandmother ties on a pair of Sunglasses. All this to a constant hip hop or rock beat, the flash of music videos and the hiss of the espresso machine.
No it is not a dream or even Paris, Milan, London or New York it is right here in New Zealand! The Contemporary Lounge is an innovative retail destination set behind the doyenne of Christchurch retailing, Ballantynes Department store.
With over 125 years in successful retailing to its credit, Ballantynes has a sturdy reputation to build upon. The Contemporary Lounge is for everyone from the fashion conscious mid-teens and upwards - for anyone that cares for their appearance and appreciates fashion will find to their taste.
The Contemporary Lounge ushers in a new approach to retailing not only in New Zealand but throughout Australasia.
Light, bright and buzzing, it is all about chic high fashion and directional street apparel displayed with a high level of creativity with many labels not seen anywhere else in New Zealand.
Sonya Smith
Sonya Smith collection is full of eclectic vintage mixes of femininity sophistication in an array of florals and plains.Colours are from muted and soft to bright in intoxicating dresses that wrap the body. Jackets are laced up with ribbons for shaping with frou frou skirts in all lengths with trousers that are slightly higher in the waist and have fuller legs.
Posh of Holmwood
Posh of Holmwood unique classic design style inspires an air of elegance and confidence to the wearer.
Posh of Holmwood designer Jan Marie Cooke provides a very personal hands on approach to garment design and selection, marrying together a clients personality, lifestyle and occasion.
With garments that are continually seen on the streets of Britain, Europe and the United States. A designer that sets trends rather than follows them.
Plush
Plush combines the strong with the feminine. With a slight bohemian flavour this season, warm metallic tones add vibrancy and a hint of glamour in dresses with skirts that are full of movement.
Rich colour trousers are cropped or high waisted and the overall look is one of warmth and low key sensuality.
Marion McKellow Jewellery
Marion McKellow Jewellery specialise in high quality contemporary sterling silver jewellery.
The collection for the summer season this year is very varied. Strong colours dominate using semi-precious stones or pearls set in silver for a striking effect offsets a stunning collection with an international influence.
Liz Ende Hats
Liz Ende Hats is best known for her one-off haute Couture hats.
For Liz, Millinery Couture is all about line, balance and form; pulling together these properties to create a unique millinery experience that can bring either drama or understated elegance to an outfit.With the fun and challenge of hats for the races, Liz's designs are seen at Riccarton, Addington, Trentham, Melbourne and Ascot.
Louise Anderson Bridal Design
Louise Anderson Bridal Design treat each Bride to a fun and memorable experience of old fashioned personal attention and connection.
For brides that want the uniqueness of a designer gown, the quality workmanship and focus on good fit that comes from a designer's touch and exclusive European fabrics that are imported especially.
Lisa Maree
Lisa Maree is a new and exciting fashion label designed to create your own personal and unique look.
The season's collection is focused and based on creating easy to wear high fashion pieces influenced by Spanish Street Chic mixed with French Feminine Sophistication.
Aimee Reed
Aimee Reeds collection was inspired by nature and the singer Cher's costumes, using gorgeous tones of coppers and greens.
"Models strutted their stuff on the catwalk. music pumped and the atmosphere was electric as Canterbury's top fashion designers showcased the season's hot new designs at the American Express Canterbury Fashion Collections & Awards at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Denyse Saunders hosted what can only be described as a glamorous and truly professional event. The impressive fashion on display proved what an innovative and creative group of designers we have in the region, who are capable of producing the best fashion has to offer"
Essence Magazine
"Canterbury fashion designers gathered last night to showcase their new seasons designs. The American Express Canterbury Fashion Collections and Awards featured the summer collections of Canterbury designers vying for the 14 fashion awards. Event manager Denyse Saunders said the awards were a celebration of the talented designers based in the region. Ms Saunders said the awards were timed to fall during the two-week Showtime Canterbury celebrations which had a strong focus on fashion. More than 400 guests turned out for last night's sold-out show at the Christchurch Art Gallery, with around 500 at the after show party."
front page The Press, Amanda Warren
"Flash Fashion - Those who forked out loadsabucks for last week's fashion bash in the art gallery were certainly agog at the depth of talent on parade. The frocks held up and the applause was prolonged. Wonder-woman Denyse Saunders is surely cockahoop!!"
Style Watch, The Press
"Jetting in from Sydney for the awards, model Carloyn Kirby is one of the models who flew in to her home town to strut her stuff on the catwalk, based in Sydney Carolyn continues to be in high demand...Canterbury is staking its claim as a fashion destination...after showcasing Canterbury designers at the Canterbury fashion event of the year!"
front page Christchurch Mail, Nyia Strachan
"Top Canterbury fashion designers showcased their summer season collections at the glittering black tie function..."
Sunday Star Times
"Catwalk Kudos...Christchurch is back on New Zealand's fashion map...tickets to the show were sold out as Cantabrians and buyers from around the country and from overseas were keen to view the designers summer collections...all the models in the show had Canterbury connections, although some now work overseas and travelled to Christchurch especially for the event...the show was of an international standard...a number of sponsors have already confirmed for next year."
Christchurch Star, Amanda Breukelaar
"Show works magic for city's fashion...the American Express Canterbury Fashion Collections & Awards were to showcase the region's designers work, an aim it ably achieved...Christchurch has relaunched itself to the forefront of the country's fashion industry...designs in the show ranged from soft and feminine evening dresses to combat-inspired outfits...everyone is raving about the show."
Pegasus Post
"Christchurch designers razzle-dazzled the audience with their summer ranges...there is so much passion and talent in Canterbury...the 400 guests rubbed shoulders with designers and models at an after show party..."
Nor'West News, Beth Newnham
National television coverage - TV One & TV 3
Local television coverage a half hour show featured 4 times on CTV
National radio coverage - Global News & NewstalkZB
DESIGNERS COMMENTS
"Fantastic exposure with rewarding results! Great venues and positive feedback from all who attended! Full credit must go to Denyse!"
Lois Durrant, NancyRaine
"Simply the Best! Right venue! Right team! Well Done!! Fabulous! Fabulous! Save me at least 40 tickets for next year! Plus my sales have increased triple fold - thank-you!!"
Jan Marie Cooke, Posh of Holmwood
"A well organised high profile event and I enjoyed being a part of it. It created fantastic exposure for me, which in turn generated more sales that exceeded my expectations"
Ingrid Wyllie, Morgan & Page
"Most well organised and professional slick show I have ever had the privilege to be involved in. Thank-you Denyse!"
Sonya Smith, Sonya Smith Ateliar
"Wonderful experience, thank-you!!"
Donna-louise Dohi, Margie Jean
"Thought it a great credit to you Denyse for undertaking such a magnificent show and giving Canterbury designers no matter how small such a great opportunity to participate"
Sigrid Campbell, Sigrid Campbell Designs Ltd
"Enjoyed taking part and thought the show was well organised and choreographed, many thanks"
Vicky Wynn-Williams, Tango
"All the events gave a good opportunity to show the collections, well done on a great event!"
Emily Drysdale, Untouched World
"Grand Event! Nice Work!"
Phillip Martin, Hats on High
"Very much a must event!"
Cheryl Andrew, Birdi Golfwear
"Fantastic event!! The day after the show my sales boomed and they contInue to do so - thank-you Denyse!"
Marion McKellow, Marion McKellow Jewellery
"The evening ran very smoothly. I have lots of very positive comments about the show and the standard of designers entries was very high. A good showcase!"
Tui Short, The Hat Shop
"Was fantastic event and thank-you very much for organisng the event for Canterbury designers"
Takaahi Sakaguchi, Sakaguchi
