Jenny Gillies to bloom at Ellerslie again

Internationally renowned costume and fabric artist Jenny Gillies is planning a “wicked, wild and wonderful” performance for next year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show.

Jenny, who wowed audiences in 2007, 2009 and 2012, says she is thrilled about returning to Ellerslie in 2014 and showing New Zealand audiences her Naughty by Nature show for the first time.

“It’s a real homecoming as I adore my home town and I’ve wanted to do this show in Christchurch for ages.  It will be funny, beautiful and a little bit naughty -- you won’t know what to expect next.”

The show is a themed, performance, set to music with dancers portraying many aspects of the plant kingdom, including flowers, vegetables, fruit, trees and wicked weeds. The designs are as botanically correct as possible.

Featuring 60 to 80 of Jenny’s sumptuous costumes, many never before seen in New Zealand, the show is being choreographed by former Royal New Zealand ballet star Toby Behan.

Jenny’s own edible garden has inspired extravagant new vegetable costumes, each taking up to three months to design and create in her Christchurch studio.

“When I’m not eating vegetables, I’m sewing them. My garden is my inspiration!”

There will be five catwalk performances a day plus static displays to allow Jenny Gillies’ many fans to experience her spectacular floral creations.