It’s that time again. The fashion shows, parties, paparazzi, glitz and glamour that is London Fashion Week will take place from 14-19 September. Featuring huge names such as Vivienne Westwood, the event is sure to be a hit for all lovers of high fashion.
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

In 2005 John Badcock set himself a guideline for a project few thought was possible – to paint one hundred portraits within a year, allocating two one hour sittings with each model. The one hundred lifesize un-stretched canvases will engulf Fisher Galleries from September 10th 2008.
http://www.fishersfinearts.co.nz

This exhibition showcases Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw’s collection of 19th century watercolour drawings, detailing the era’s interior furnishings and documenting the social, cultural, and aesthetic development of European domestic life. August 12–January 25 at the Cooper-Hewitt, New York.

Helsinki Design Week is an annual festival of creativity – a forum for professionals, a cultural experience for city-dwellers and visitors. A place for encounters, aesthetics and inspiration. 25 September – 6 October in Helsinki.
www.helsinkidesignweek.com

Blackbird was the most talked about, critically acclaimed production of the 2005 Edinburgh Festival before transferring to the West End in 2006. Fifteen years ago, Una and Ray embarked on a relationship that changed their lives. Now Una has tracked down Ray in the debris-littered lunchroom of the factory where he’s a middling executive. Is she seeking vengeance? 4-27 September at the Maidment Theatre, Auckland.

Bombay Sapphire has commissioned a number of New Zealand designers to create a series of one-off design pieces, furniture and artwork for its new design event, the Bombay Sapphire Botanical Bar, travelling throughout the country. 6-20 August in Auckland, 23-25 Aug in Christchurch.

Two Rooms welcomes Los Angeles artist Kevin Appel to New Zealand as part of the gallery’s Artist in Residence programme. Appel will be spending six weeks in New Zealand to produce a new series of paintings for Two Rooms. 2 July – 2 August 2008 at Two Rooms, Auckland.
www.tworooms.org.nz

The Waiheke Community Art Gallery is hosting its third design award exhibition. Titled “Design Make: Sideboard”, the award presents an outstanding opportunity for New Zealand designers to increase their profile within their field. 8 August – 1 September.
www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz

Semi-Permanent’s hitting Auckland with talent such as graphic design ‘rock star’ Stefan Sagmeister, famous for slashing DIY text onto his own skin for a now iconic 90s poster. Aotea Centre, 15-16 August 2008.
semipermanent.com

Man-Olympics Soca gallery is hosting its fifth Invitational Exhibition. Coinciding with the 2008 Olympic Games, the theme is the Man Olympics, which explores notions of competitiveness and manhood. August 12-26, Soca Gallery, Auckland.