Amazing Race's Phil prepares to WoW (+ video)

KENT BLECHYNDEN/Dominion Post

ENDURING TIES: Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan is all tied up, ready for the 'man unleashed' section of the Montana World of WearableArt awards, which he is filming for a documentary series.

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Phil Keoghan is all tied up, ready for the "man unleashed" section of the Montana World of WearableArt awards.
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The Los Angeles-based Kiwi, host of TV show The Amazing Race, which this week won its fifth consecutive Emmy, is making guest appearances in the Wellington show tonight and tomorrow night.

To the sounds of It's Raining Men, he models a suit -made from interlaced silk ties with a matching top hat and cane - created by Nelson designer Sarah Hornibrooke for the 1998 awards.

Keoghan is filming the show and its creator, Suzie Moncrieff, for his documentary series Keoghan's Heroes, which will screen in the United States.

He said WoW epitomised Kiwi innovation and creativity and he was keen to get it more international exposure.

"Resourcefulness is a huge part of our culture and clearly this has come from that way of thinking. I love people that break the mould and do things differently."

When the organisers suggested he take part he jumped at the opportunity.

"With my stories, I don't like to be spectator. I don't like to stand on the sidelines. I'd rather step into the story and tell the story."

The WoW awards officially opened last night at the TSB Bank Arena, showcasing 156 carefully crafted garments. The first scenes are of a girl being read a bedtime story before the dream-like extravaganza begins. Her bed grows wings and floats to the ceiling; monsters reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are romp across the stage.

The awards, including supreme winner, will be presented tonight but the show continues till September 30. There are limited tickets left on some nights.

The winners will be pictured in tomorrow's Dominion Post.

- © Fairfax NZ News