Fashion Week begins on a high note (+pics)

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HIGH FASHION: Air New Zealand Fashion Week 30,000 ft catwalk show from Sydney to Auckland to launch fashion weeek. Model Jessica Davis wearing dress by Lonely Hearts.

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IN THE AIR: A model wearing Michael Pattison on the airborne catwalk.

FIONA FOODALL/Fairfax

WATCHING BRIEF: Model Rachel Hunter enjoys the show with daughter Renee and son Liam.

FIONA GOODALL/Faifax

TOGGED UP: A swomsuit from Rachel Hunter's new range Lola.

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In what's believed to be the highest catwalk show ever, models have strutted their stuff at 30,000ft on a trans-Tasman commercial airline flight.
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Kiwi supermodel turned swimsuit designer Rachel Hunter and celebrity guests joined more than 120 passengers on the Air New Zealand flight from Sydney to Auckland yesterday.

The 30,000ft Catwalk involved eight models giving passengers a sneak preview of 30 designers showing at this year's Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

Hunter, travelling with children Renee and Liam, said The 30,000ft Catwalk was one of the most exciting fashion shows she'd ever seen.

"It's so amazing and unique and such fun. The models did such a fantastic job getting up and down that aisle in those heels," she says.

Hunter, attending her first ever New Zealand Fashion Week, is looking forward to showing her swimwear range Lola on Thursday.

As well as her own show, Hunter plans to attend Trelise Cooper, Yvonne Bennetti and Zambesi shows.

She returns to Los Angeles with her children on Friday.

Model and face of New Zealand Fashion Week, Ngahuia Williams was among the models who took to the narrow catwalk.

The 21-year-old, who bases herself between Auckland and Sydney, said modelling on a plane was a great experience.

"It feels pretty weird when you walk, definitely a lot different to a normal catwalk."

Ngahuia will model in 15 shows this week and says she looks forward New Zealand Fashion Week each year.

"I love coming home for New Zealand Fashion Week for the sheer fact that I can do shows with girls I've worked with for years. It's always so much fun," she says.

Air New Zealand Fashion Week officially kicked off last night and runs till Saturday.