Case study: 2008 Zonta Metropolitan Club of Dunedin Charitable Fashion Show - Recipient Plunket

Event: Zonta Metropolitan Extraordinary Fashion
Client: Zonta Metropolitan Club of Dunedin
Venue: Dunedin Town Hall
Group Size: 400 attendees, 140 designers and crew
Date of Event: Thursday 11 September, 2008

Event Execution

Tamarillo Events and Conferences coordinated all aspects of the event production and design.

13 of Dunedin and Otago's top designers and retailers showcased upcoming collections for summer 2009.  In addition special collections were shown by the Otago Polytechnic Fashion Design School and the Peugeot Hokonui Fashion Design Awards.

The event started at 7-30pm with 400 guests and invited media being served a selection of regional wines and antipasto.  Entertainment provided by the Rat Pack Returns Live was a lively, energetic way to start the evening.

Special Touches

The event is a very special event in that each year a different charity is nominated to be the recipient of funds raised from the fashion show.  There is a tremendous amount of support from the public, designers and many other organisations who donate time and services to making sure the event is the enormous success it is.

Plunket was the nominated charity in 2008.  Funds raised from the show are to be used to establish programmes for women in Dunedin suffering from postnatal depression.

A charity auction, silent auction and raffle sales further increased the amount of money Zonta was able to give to Plunket. 

Recognition of all people who contributed generously toward the show was achieved through continuous sponsor loops being played upon guest arrival and also in the break.  Designer logos were able to be displayed on special side screens and a centre drape providing good branding opportunities.

In keeping with the theme of Plunket and children, Waughs presented a section with Mum's and Children's wear which proved very popular with the audience.

Challenges

As with all events, the event budget is critical.  With charity events it is even more so as you need to balance budget requirements and the event goals of raising money for the charity with perceived value and expectation of ticket paying guests. This requires resourcefulness and being able to think creatively and outside the square.

Each year expectations of the event increases therefore it is important to continually think of fresh, new ways to keep the event updated and modern whilst providing value to guests.

Altering the programme and ticketing artwork and design to provide a contemporary new look was one way that the show was updated in 2008.

Using a modern, white catwalk with "pools" of light provided a sophisticated platform for models. Projecting the show onto wide side screens ensured visability for all guests. 

Sections from the Otago Polytechnic Fashion Design School and the Peugeot Hokonui Fashion Design Awards are popular and showcase fresh, alternative designing and fashion interpretation. 

Providing quality entertainment as well as regional food and beverages also complemented the evening.

Client's Comments

"Tammy....that was such a polished and brilliant show...if they were aware in the U.K of your huge ability you would be lost to New Zealand!"

Warwick Grimmer - Event Auctioneer

 (Photography Sean Waller Photography, Ali McD Models)