The latest and greatest of New Zealand fashion will run alongside classic and timeless pieces of Dior and Chanel at iD Dunedin Fashion Week in April.
The Darnell Collection, Australia's largest private collection of international vintage couture, will be a highlight of the annual event with 15 of the collection's 5500 pieces to appear for the first time on a New Zealand catwalk.
Owner and curator Charlotte Smith inherited the then 3000-strong collection from her godmother Doris Darnell, of Pennsylvania, in 2004, and has grown it through international bequests.
Being left the collection of valuable pieces from renowned designers such as Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, Westwood, Versace and Dolce and Gabana, "completely changed my life", she said.
"To be invited as a guest of iD Dunedin Fashion Week is an exciting opportunity to take the collection internationally and add yet another story to this adventure.
"[It] has brought my family full circle back to New Zealand, following in the footsteps of my great-great-grandfather, Sir Edward Stafford, who was elected prime minister of New Zealand in the mid-1800s and helped establish the wool industry in New Zealand."
Smith, author of Dreaming of Dior and Dreaming of Chanel, will hold a guest lecture on the history of the Darnell Collection during the week.
"I love working with students and anyone fascinated by and passionate about fashion, and recognise the importance of vintage clothing as educational and inspiring," she said.
iD Fashion Committee chairwoman Susie Staley was excited to enable audiences to see and experience firsthand exclusive vintage fashion on the catwalk.
"We are very fortunate that Charlotte will be sharing her priceless collection, and her knowledge and insights into this amazing collection and its contribution to fashion history," she said.
Tickets to iD Dunedin Fashion Week events go on sale tomorrow at 9am from TicketDirect.
The iD International Emerging Designer Awards will be held on April 7 at 7pm with tickets ranging from $40-$70.
The iD Dunedin Fashion Show will be held on April 8 and 9 at 8pm with tickets ranging from $65-$110.
