Corbans Fashion Collections (1990)

Dreamgirls' answer to the question "skirts or trousers?" is to show both, and they highlight the back as the new erogenous zone...

– Narrator John Callen describes the back-baring designs of fashion label Dreamgirls

Marnie interpret in their own special way, a 50s mood. Clinging bodices and full skirts evoke the ladylike looks of a latter-day Grace Kelly. 

– Narrator John Callen describes how fashion brand Marnie looks to the past for inspiration

Velvets that hint at the decadance of pre-war Berlin, and tropical prints pulsating with the rhythm of an Aboriginal corroboree and a Jamaican calypso...

– Narrator John Callen waxes lyrical about Moontide's swimwear

For spring/summer, the hottest looks have a 60s feel with a 90s edge. Fragile is fashionable, colour accents almost absent. This season's complexion is paler, more translucent.

– Narrator John Callen describes the hot makeup trends in 1990

Miss Deb gets ready for summer, packing a vacation bag full of bold, gold jackets and soft separates in graphic back and white.

– Narrator John Callen describes fashion brand Miss Deb, in the ready to wear section

Keith Matheson parties into the night in jewelled black velvet.

– The Keith Matheson collection hits the runway

Wigs are really happening at the moment. They'd be good for you. No autographs at the supermarket — it'd be great . . .  I've actually got one here, why don't we try it on, and have some fun...

– Hairdresser Paul Huege de Serville suggests Penelope Barr try a 'happening' 1990 wig

Exotic colours, the shimmer of gold, shades of a Moroccan bazaar...

– Exposay swimwear inspires the adjectives from narrator John Callen

Thirty years ago there was only a handful of manufacturers in New Zealand. Today there are nearly 700 — some of them exporting to Australia, some even further afield. 

– Presenter Penelope Barr on the growth of fashion manufacturing in New Zealand, at the start of this special

The Corbans Fashion Collections, staged annually in the early 1990s, provided Ches with the opportunity to liberate his inner showman. Primarily a platform for fashion manufacturers to present their seasonal ranges, the show’s finale featured themed collections by individual designers. "It was pure fantasy," he says of his sexy black and gold evening collection and the Royal Ascot-inspired race-wear collection in orange, purple and hot pink. "The garments weren’t commercially viable but they were such fun to make."

– Interview with designer Ches Pritchard, New Zealand Fashion Museum

And not forgetting Jackie O. Jackie O — now that was a lady, then and now.

– Fashion Quarterly Editor Paula Ryan on some of the iconic inspirations for fashion in 1990

It's a fickle business...it's up to us to keep the industry alive, otherwise it's goodbye to 30,000 jobs and our national identity.

– Presenter Penelope Barr introduces this fashion special