Skydiving models kick off Fashion Week

Air New Zealand marked the start of Fashion Week 2007 by holding a catwalk show on a plane from Sydney to Auckland. This year, models were thrown out of a plane to kick off the event.

Six skydivers wearing designs from Deborah Sweeney, Jaeha, Cybele, Karen Walker, Zambesi and Huffer jumped out of an aircraft high over Queensland.

A short video showing the results is currently showing on all Air New Zealand flights.

This year's Fashion Week reflects growing public interest with the event, with more shows open to the general public.

There are also more designers showing offsite.

Jaeha has chosen a church as the venue for his catwalk show, and Salasai has opted to show his collection in a car park (fingers crossed it doesn't rain).

For buyers the show schedules can be punishing with back-to-back shows, and many often running late.

On Tuesday the first show is at 9.30am, with the last show due to start at 8pm.

By day four the schedule is noticeably light on early morning shows to give delegates a chance to recharge their batteries.

If the contents of this year's Air New Zealand satchel - or goodie bag - are anything to go by, organisers expect attendees at this year's event to get very smelly and thirsty.

The rather hefty bag contains all kinds of bits and pieces from sponsors of the event and includes:

* Not one, not two but three Nivea deodorants (the tents can get hot and crowded and obviously the organisers don't want the delegates to whiff).

* A bottle of water and a can of Stella Artois beer (for when delegates need something stronger than the water).

* Nibbles (Bagel crisps and nuts - as there's no time for delegates to eat between shows).

* A lint roller (to make sure delegates look their best at all times).

* Dr Lewinns nail strengthener and nail file (no excuse for bitten nails then).

* Aromatherapy Co antibacterial hand wash (maybe there were complaints last year about delegates having no time to wash hands?)

* Allpress expresso coffee (to make sure delegates stay awake).

* Living nature radiance night oil (to ensure delegates look well rested even if they've had no sleep).

* A pair of H&M sunglasses (to hide those under-eye bags).

* A copy of Remix magazine and Time magazine (presumably to help pass the time when the shows run late).

 * Stuff.co.nz will have full coverage of Fashion Week throughout the event. Keep checking back for stories and photos from each show.

- © Fairfax NZ News