A desire to showcase the talents of local designers from across the Maniototo has prompted one couple to host a fashion show.

Tania Murray Haigh and Russ Haigh will bring the fashion show to Ranfurly on Friday, March 1, showcasing the many talented designers who hail from across the wider district.

The event will feature works by Tania, who specialises in slow fashion and homewares, along with Lucy Gurvin, who goes by the name LucyG Designs, a young designer who creates woolen essentials using merino from her family’s sheep station.

Eva Hosie, who goes by the name Rabosi Design, a designer who makes clothes from linen and cotton fibres will also feature, along with Katherine Anne, who specialises in fashion depicting blue hues that celebrate the skies of Central.

Tania and Russ recently opened their new store, Lohi Linen in Ranfurly, giving them the perfect space and opportunity to host a fashion show, not just to give the community something to look forward to, but also celebrate and showcase the many talented people who hail from the district, Tania said.

“It’s supporting local designers from across the Maniototo - that’s what the fashion parade is really about,” she said.

“It’s something we wanted to do for the community.”

While their designs might look different, they all have the same goal - to embrace the slow fashion movement.

She said people had become increasingly focused on buying quality and were more inclined to think about the garment’s lifespan and how often it would get worn.

Tania and Russ previously owned The Button Tin in Cromwell and are now hoping their new venture will help educate young people on slow fashion movement. 

The fashion show will take place at Lohi on March 1 at 7pm, on Charlemont St, which was the town’s old drapery, a 50 year old building, which they have transformed as a space for people to enjoy.