Fantasia at Fashion Weekend 2011

Overview

Fashion Weekend 2011 will be wrapped up in ‘Victoria Secret’ style this year with the spectacular KidsCan Charitable Trust Fantasia lingerie show. The show gives local and international designers the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild, creating one off lingerie pieces which will then be modelled during a red hot runway show on the 3rd of September at Auckland’s new Marine Events Centre.

Last held in 2008, Fantasia is back this year with a ‘Saints and Sinners’ theme in which each designer will create two outfits that evoke Saint and Sinner attributes. Participating designers this year include Andrea Moore, Annah Stretton, Carlson, Kingan-Jones, Kiri Nathan, Lily & Ming, Liz Mitchell, Michelle Yvette, Ooby Ryn, Paula Herbert, Sabatini, Sally Ridge, Sera Lilly and Yvonne Bennetti.

Many of the designers do not specialise or even include lingerie as part of their seasonal ranges and through the participation of Fantasia are presented with an exciting challenge and a unique context to showcase their design talents. Participating designer, Robyn Brooks of Ooby Ryn who first came into the spotlight after showing at Air New Zealand Fashion Week in 2006 as part of the Verge Breakthrough Designers, shares in the designer’s collective excitement. “Without letting too much out of the bag, my lingerie outfits are very Victoria Secret esque”, says Robyn whose designs are highly regarded for their bold design aesthetics. “I have thoroughly enjoyed bringing to life everything I love about fashion through a context that is completely new for me, if anything it has been a great challenge”.

Designs aside, it is the cause that has drawn many of these designers to participate in the Fantasia show. Paula Herbert from the House of Herbert says “I am thrilled to have the opportunity support a cause close that is close to my heart whilst showcasing my designs” “The plight of New Zealand children in poverty is something we should all be aware of and I am so happy that I can play a part in giving them a hand up”

The Fantasia show will also feature gorgeous garments from well-known lingerie brands Bendon, Berlei, Bravista, Elle Macpherson Intimates, Farmers, Pleasure State, and The Pyjama Co dessous.

All proceeds raised will go to the KidsCan Charitable Trust to fund its work with thousands of New Zealand children living in poverty.  KidsCan meets the basic physical and nutritional needs of children less fortunate than others and currently provides food for 20,000 kids a week along with raincoats, shoes, socks, thermals and other items to ensure they can get to school in a better position to learn.