Benson & Hedges Fashion Design Awards 1986

The Benson & Hedges Fashion Design Awards were the big fashion event of the year from the mid 60s to the 90s. From 1982, the Wellington show was organised by model agent Maysie Bestall-Cohen; from 1984 TVNZ broadcast the 'B&H' live from the Michael Fowler Centre. Bestall-Cohen and Bob Parker host the 1986 edition, which won a GOFTA Award for Best Live Coverage. Former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes is a guest presenter, and the line-up of models includes a teenage Rachel Hunter and future TV presenter Hilary Timmins. Padded shoulders, geometric prints and garish colours date stamp the era.