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By SHARON MARRIS
New Plymouth was the centre of New Zealand fashion for
a few hours last night.
Some of the industry's biggest names
and keenest followers were in town for Puke Ariki's first
fashion show.
Fourteen models from Stepping Out Modelling
and Dance Studio strutted their stuff at the " .
. . with a little bit of men and a whole lotta women"
fashion show last night.
More than 400 people flocked to view
winter collections from Trudy Armitage Bridal Design and
local clothing store Meyer & Prichard.
Meyer & Prichard co-owner Anne Meyer
said she was emotionally overwhelmed with the turnout.
"We had hoped for a sell-out but
this is more than a sell-out," she said from backstage.
"We opened 2 years ago and always said we should
do a show at Puke Ariki because it's such a wonderful
space."
The space vibrated with the sounds of
the bass as models donned clothing based on the design
and fabric of tutus, before moving on to casual wear and
bridal wear.
Hosts Francis Hooper and Denise L'Estrange-Corbet
of World travelled from Auckland for the event. "We've
come to see this great little store in this great little
city," Mr Hooper said.
Local political candidate Moira Irving
introduced the show, saying that even she had been persuaded
to "duck backstage for a makeover because I was told
I didn't look funky enough".
The show raised $2000 for learning programmes
at Puke Ariki.
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