With Dirty Dancing; the Musical, previewing across town one might have assumed there may not be enough patronage to go around.

We can't report on the DD opening but the 600+ guests who turned out for Nouveau Noir had obviously relegated Baby to the corner; for this night at least.

And weren't we glad to be front row, centre at this auspicious event. Already it seems to be the Premier Fashion Event on Auckland's uber-solicious Noth Shore.

Nouveau Noir (the 'new black' if you're playing the board game), was the sequel to last year's Summer Soiree. Contrary to the fate of most big budget sequels, Nouveau Noir had eclipsed it's predecessor long before the first show hit the boardwalk!

DJ L8N chopped it up masterfully as the Nouveau Noir DJ du soir while a cocktail of 'the beautiful people' showed us mere mortals what nouveau noir means in fashionland...

Purple (bloody hell, it's finally colour of the season), port, lime, earthy tones and flowery shirts lifted from some hell on wheels mid-70's roller disco.

As if disco prints weren't enough the Barkers Style Team have served up lashings of leather and the hoody is the nu cool (yes way).

Stripes, big checks, prints and herringbone are this seasons tangents. The fabrics are wool, (of course - it's Winter in NZ idiot), cord, suede, cashmere, angora. Tweed makes an appearance and a reincarnation of the cardigan is due to set fashion ablaze this Winter.

Nouveau Noir also heralded the return of smooth velvet, with the pimpalicious Diego Jacket on show for the first time. Joseph's raincoat has nothing on the pimptastic array of colours the Diego comes in.

Vive la Retro!

When asked how his night had been, Kevin Schwass (owner of the Blankenberge Belgian Beer Cafe Takapuna), was overhead commenting:
" It was so busy in here at 7:00pm that I couldn't get served by my own staff. Great for a Wednesday..."

Goodie Bags galore were thrown out to those lucky enough to be inside by 7:00pm. Official reports say that all 300 Bags had been snaffled by the time the first show started.

It was no bloody wonder either as they were stuffed to the gunnals with free stuff from generous companies like Schwarzkopf Professional, Elizabeth Arden, Les Mills Takapuna and the stores on show this evening.

That lovely young man, (that's what my Mum calls him), Will Martin sang a few toons and tickled his ivories for a little while and got a rousing cheer from all and sundry.

AND Free Stuff. A list of giveaways longer than the average man's arm. Haircuts from Servilles, Barkers, Max & Bendon Vouchers, D & G sunglasses from Sunglass World, Memberships to Les Mills.

But the one everyone waited for and only one person could win, the weekend for two at beautiful Okura River Cottage Boutique Bed & Breakfast.

The show was produced by Stuart Williamson (Manager - Barkers Shore City) and Georgina McIvor (Manager - MAX Shore City).

Hair by Servilles Takapuna, Makeup by Blush Workshops.

Thanks to all the models and Management & Staff from the Belgian Beer Cafe Takapuna.