TFD- Behind the Scenes

It is difficult to fully explain the fabulousness of  the biannual Tarnished Frocks and Divas. For four nights, four shows, over one hundred outfits, Mills Reef Winery in Tauranga is transformed into a French-themed restaurant, each ‘course’ a collection inspired by Dior, Lanvin, Chanel… It is a fashion show, but is also part wearable art, performance, cabaret and dance. I spend the duration of each show mingling amongst the busy dressing room, weaving my way past giant headdresses, perched at the points on the catwalk and lapping up the fairylight-lit walkways.