CatWalk's Curtain Call

The curtain’s about to go up on a spectacular evening of entertainment at this month’s Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show, with the CatWalk Trust introducing some French joie de vivre to New Zealand’s premier equestrian festival.

Presented in conjunction with Bomac, CatWalk’s “Paris In The Bay” evening on Thursday March 19th will showcase French food, wine, music and art --- creating an event that’s certain to appeal to both horselovers and Francophiles.

As a highlight of the night, longtime supporters Cathay Pacific are providing CatWalk with a return trip to London via France, with special CatWalk treats making a magnificent Bon Voyage for the lucky recipient!

Guests will be guided through the colourful evening by high profile television broadcaster Ali Mau, with additional entertainment from the provocative and sassy “Moulin Rouge Madams” direct from Melbourne.

CatWalk founder Catriona Williams says the Madams possess a special flair that’s irresistible.

“It’s very much a case of ‘Oh La La!’” says Williams. “The troupe leader is the extremely flamboyant ‘Paris’… I promise you’ve never seen anything like it!”

Williams says the night will be all about glamour – and two of CatWalk’s feature guests are simply dripping with it.

Sydney’s ‘hairdresser to the rich and famous’ Joh Bailey says he’s delighted to be attending the event – both as an equestrian fan and a supporter of heartfelt charities such as CatWalk.
At home, Joh Bailey is consistently used by the leading luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton and Gucci for their season launches. His work also features in the fashion pages of Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Australia, elle, and Marie Claire.
Joh's celebrity clients have included supermodel Elle Macpherson and performers Kylie Minogue, Eva Longoria and Paris Hilton. In 2000, he was awarded the role as the official hair stylist for the opening ceremonies of the Sydney Olympic Games.
As well as CatWalk, Joh's business success and caring nature has enabled him to support a number of charities such as The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Fashion Supports Breast Cancer, The Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation and Fashion for AIDS. He says the biggest highlight of his career was working with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, during her 1997 visit to Australia.
Both Joh and fellow Australian Stephen Merry, who coordinates the Moulin Rouge Madams, say Paris In The Bay will go off with a bang!
Another feature will be a live demonstration from American artist Bill Patterson featuring his special passion for painting speed. In the States Bill’s heavily involved with the Indy 500 racing drivers and is thrilled about his adventure to New Zealand.

With gentlemen in black tie and ladies evening wear, more details on ticket availability and pricing is online at www.catwalk.org.nz

The website also has details of buying a premier table at the event, with the chance for the host and seven friends to enjoy the magic and glamour of Paris, seated with celebrity VIPs.

A portion of the evening's proceeds will be gifted to Back-Up New Zealand, offering people with disabilities outdoor pursuit opportunities. The remainder will go directly towards CatWalk’s goal of finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and getting people out of wheelchairs and back on their feet.