Robert Haddock Robert Haddock, fashion reporter for the Radio Network, gives us his insider view on our Fashion Week and shares his style tips for Spring... What's your role as part of fashion week? I'll be reporting on the shows for Viva and Classic Hits radio as well as for NewstalkZB. As a media delegate attending Air New Zealand Fashion Week you are entitled to full access to the Viaduct Harbour Marine Village. However to attend the actual shows you need to be invited by the designer, you are not automatically accredited entry. Why is it important NZ has a fashion week? Because we need to showcase our amazing garments, fabrics and wool on the world stage and let everyone know not only are we a great country to come visit and holiday here but we're also very talented and know how we should dress. What are you looking forward to most about this year's event? I'm looking forward to seeing what these delightful, darling designers have been creating the last 6-7 months. I'm looking forward to catching up with all the media from NZ and around the world. You make really cool contacts over the years and that's fun. Also a good way to bounce ideas around in and out of the media centre, which during the breaks and between the shows we spend a lot of time. The fabulousness surrounding Air New Zealand Fashion Week is all about being out there, standing out in the crowd, and gay boys know how to do that very well: like kiwi Fashion Icon Adrian Hailwood. His clothing has a sexy street appeal ranging from printed tees and dresses to tailored eveningwear and suiting. His collection for Winter 2007 continues to use his own fabric designs and manufacturing his own footwear and accessories. The range is stocked throughout New Zealand, Australia and in the UK, with the flagship store on K'rd, Auckland. We know there are a lot of gay fashion designers out there, but are there any lesbians? Gay designers are out and about in the industry whether it be the media, pr or marketing on designers - we're everywhere and I absolutely love that. As far as lesbians go - no! To my knowledge, we have none. Can you reveal what kinds of things are in those 'goodie bags' at shows? Goodie bags…. Where do I start? Firstly, they're a great way for designers to get their sponsors out there to their audience and get exposure. You can all sorts in those damn bags, from undies to lollie-pops, to expensive bottles of champagne and perfume. The only thing that you must remember when attending shows where there are goodie bags: you never open them and pull stuff out when you are inside the venue where the show is happening. Totally embarrassing! Do you have any style tips for our GayNZ.com readers as we head into the warmer months? Tips for men: 1. Polo's are a staple in just about every guy's closet. Whether it's LaCoste or Hilfiger, polo's are a great way to dress up jeans, and match khakis just perfectly. 2. Tees are made for layering. Colors, styles, go nuts! Make sure the tee on the bottom layer is of a slightly lighter material than the one on the top or it will look too bulky. 3. Sweaters are best layered with button down shirts. Keeping the collar exposed and the cuff exposed always looks great. It gives a really nice, clean cut look to it. Tips for women: 1. Going to a gig? A party or casual dinner with friends? Perk up your wardrobe by adding white. It easily glams up basics like t-shirts, tanks, pants and denim. Wear white in splashes to liven up your favorite denim or bring focus to your tanned skin. 2. How to wear a mini skirt- when you don't look like a supermodel. (Okay, who does?) It doesn't mean that you have to hide your knees forever…This season, get out there and feel the wind on your legs, it's miniskirt season. 3. Wearing a mini says something about you - it's feminine, and sexy in a way black trousers will never be. It doesn't have to scream, "Easy!" , but it does say, "Look at me." This year's fashion week takes place at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour from 18 - 23 September. Matt Akersten - 16th September 2006