20 August 2009 - Air New Zealand Fashion WEEKEND returns for fashionable fun this year with a Friday night session to set the scene for a weekend of style and entertainment.

The two day event kicks off early in 2009 at 6pm on Friday 25th September, and will run through to the evening on Saturday September 21st. The new Friday night start was designed to open up Fashion WEEKEND to a wider audience of fashion lovers from the local Auckland CBD.

Event Director Myken Stewart is excited about the new format Air New Zealand Fashion WEEKEND.

"Kicking off on the Friday evening provides the perfect opportunity to knock off work and head down to the stylish Halsey Street venue to take in the up-beat atmosphere at Fashion WEEKEND".

"Those who are up for socialising can grab a bite to eat at Fashion Plate, visit the stunning Moet and Chandon Lounge or chill out to some live music thanks to Red Bull or DJ's down at the Cutting Room bar thanks to Loop Recordings. For a fashion fix guests can check out one of the many fashion shows on offer, or do some shopping at the New Zealand Herald Designer Garage Sale," says Stewart.

General Admission tickets are affordable at $15 which covers a long list of fashion and entertainment attractions across the weekend.

This ticket gives venue entry access to the all important New Zealand Herald Designer Garage Sale for fashion bargains plus entry to the ZM Seminars, the Fashion Plate Caf, the Cutting Room bar and non stop DJ's and entertainment.

There is a schedule of special shows throughout Fashion WEEKEND including the Diet Coke "Little Black Dress Show" featuring five NZ designers and five Australian designers, the GHD New Gen Show which will showcase a selection of New Zealand's best up and coming fashion designers, and closing Fashion WEEKEND on the Saturday evening will be a 30 year retrospective show of Zambesi.

Seven Designer Selection Shows will run through Air New Zealand Fashion Week and WEEKEND. These shows feature the best of ANZFW designers, and tickets also include general admission to Fashion WEEKEND. (See below for further ticket information.)

TICKETING INFORMATION: Air New Zealand Fashion WEEKEND General Admission Tickets are available through www.iticket.co.nz for $15.00 and will be available on entry at the event.

HOURS: Friday 25th September 6.00pm - midnight. Saturday 26th September 10.00am - 9.00pm.