By its very nature, most of the glitz and glamour of New Zealand Fashion Week unfolds behind carefully closed doors. But once the weekend hits, it's a different story.  

From Monday next week, the who's who of the fashion elite will hit Auckland for four days of sartorial sweetness.

And with the likes of Trelise Cooper, Huffer, Juliette Hogan and Australia's Charlie Brown showcasing their collections for Autumn/Winter 2013, it's bound to be a treasure trove of talent being unearthed at the Viaduct Events Centre.  

NZFW brand manager Myken Stewart says the team is working at full steam to make sure 2012's event is the best yet.

"Each year, putting on an event as big as NZFW is a huge but rewarding challenge. 

"NZFW is an event that captures the attention of the country."

And it captures the interest of the international media as well. This year, visiting media includes American blogger and social photographer Mark Hunter, aka Cobrasnake, plus writers from Harpers Bazaar Asia, Yen magazine, Sydney Morning Herald and Hong Kong's premier Asian shopping blog.

For two days, once all the commotion has died down, everyone can get a bit of a feel for what to expect from the upcoming seasons, at New Zealand Fashion Weekend.

With seminars, shows, tips and tricks, Fashion Weekend is well worth checking out.

You can sit front row at any number of special NZ Fashion Weekend shows, from individual shows from Liam and Ruby, a retrospective look at Trelise Cooper's past three summer collections, plus the Designer Selection show with the best of the week. And of course, if you make it to the front row in time, there are always the goodie bags.

The Designer Garage Sale is worth getting up early for. Doors open at 10am and once inside you can try and buy some of the must-have garments that have never been into production. Plus professional staff will be on hand to give you the very best advice.

If you fancy a makeover to go with your new outfit the KMS California team will be there with curling irons and hair staighteners at the ready for the all-important touch ups. Ecostore will have their best hand cream and body butters and Magic Tan Nails will be on hand with all the backstage goss.

Maybe you want to do it yourself though. In that case, it would pay to head along to a couple of the seminars happening throughout the weekend. Perhaps some make-up tips from Smashbox or the Body Shop would do the trick?

Or if you are looking for something a bit more permanent Dr Catherine Stone from The Face Place will walk you through the art of Botox, fillers and other interesting things. You can ask all the questions you've been too scared to and learn about the latest in non-surgical enhancements.

And if it's the hair you're worried about master stylist Paul Serville and his team will be talking audiences through what's hot - and what's not - for the next few seasons and just what it takes to make the mane look magnificent.

Watch our next generation of fashion designers send their looks down the runway in the YMCA Walk-the-Line Show. This amazing show is put together by the team from 'Raise Up' and will be well worth a look.

If all that watching and sipping of champagne has inspired you Les Mills is showcasing some fitness fashion in an almost life-like scenario, complete with a bit of aerobics.

For a bit of celeb spotting head to the most glamorous show of the weekend - Phoenix Make-up's Truly Outrageous. With hand-painted models, dancers and actors dolled up with a bit of inspiration from 80's cartoon favourite, Jem, it will pay to get there early to secure a good seat. 

Are you about to walk down the aisle? Then do not miss the NZ Weddings bridal beauty seminar, full of inside tips on getting the hottest bridal beauty looks. You'll receive a complimentary bridal beauty bag complete with the newest must-haves from Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Joico and Jo Malone.

And if you still need a dress the NZ Weddings bridal runway show will be the place to catch some of the top designers - Anna Schimmel , A La Robe, Alma J, Crane Brothers, John Zimmermann, Michelle Yvette, Sera Lilly and Vinka Design.

Tickets for the New Zealand Fashion Weekend start at $12, which gives you entry to the venue and Designer Garage Sale.

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- © Fairfax NZ News

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