I have been away for the last week, and have managed to miss most of all the fabulous things that have been going on in Auckland for Fashion In The City this year. Last weekend saw the Britomart Fashion Sessions which I was very disappointed to miss, though I did send a spy or two to scope out what was happening for me! With a whole heap of labels showing that we all know well from World to Taylor and everyone in between. I will be seeing World at iD in a few weeks time, so I can have a good look at their current collection then. Taylor showed as part of a group show, and I was sorry they didn’t get to do one all of their own – so here are all the shots from the show followed by the breakdown of all the free things to be done in Auckland over this weekend as Fashion in The City draws to a close… photographs by Sam Lee

The thing I was most disappointed to miss was the The Height of Fashion at Peter Gordon’s Sugar Club at The Sky Tower.  An exclusive lunch with ten New Zealand designers including collections from Adrienne Winkelmann, Deadly Ponies, Hailwood, Kathryn Wilson, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Taylor, Trelise Cooper, and Zambesi. With two lunches, that would certainly be something to watch out for next year.

Running up until Sunday 9 March is the HELLO, we are the New Zealand Fashion Museum with a unique exhibition of garments introducing four heritage fashion stories.  These exhibitions from the Fashion Museum are ALWAYS worth visiting and help give context for New Zealand Fashion for the young, and deliver wonderful memories for those of us a little older. The exhibition is at Silo 6 Pack, Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter. They will also be hosting their 2nd POP-UP Photography Studio with Kingsize Studio.  Bring along your Fashion Treasures to be photographed for inclusion in the online NZFM collection. Now that would be a bit of fun.

Friday 7 March

AGATHA Paris are celebrating their launch of their new Cosmic Girl fashion jewelry collection with a red carpet event at their High Street store and everyone is invited – AGATHA Paris 18a High Street from 4pm til 7pm Friday 7 March.

Also this evening is The Royal Tenenbaums showing at the Silo Cinema from 9pm. Always a great night and free. Take something to sit on!

Saturday 8 March

New Zealand’s Longest Catwalk Show is presented by Schwarzkopf will be stretching down Queen Street (and closing it) with a pre-show at 12pm and the show starting at 1pm. Get to Queen Street between Shortland and Wyndam Streets. Free.

Silo Markets will have a very special fashion market with some very fab fashion retailers, designers and fashion houses touting their wares at very special prices. All day at Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter.

The Official Wrap Party will be at the Britomart Country Club 31 Galway Street, Britomart from 3pm til 6pm.  George FM will be doing the music and the first 50 people there will get a goodie bag… everyone loves a goodie bag!

Sunday 9 March

Anna Miles (art dealer and lecturer) will be discussing Rita Angus’ iconic portrait of Betty Curnow and how the trademark cactus fabric lives on. 11am Lower Street Gallery, Auckland Art Gallery, corner Wellesley & Kitchener Streets.

Mary Kisler will be talking about French artist James Tissot who was renowned for his paintings of elegantly dressed women in London. The talk will be given at 1pm Mackelvie Gallery, Auckland Art Gallery.

Last night was the WORKSHOP w2014 show in Vulcan Lane.  The weather co-operated and it was a great night.  Highlight for me was the leather wear – a hooded bikers jacket and jeans.  Gorgeous.