First Lady Fashion: Vinka's Designer Royalty

The Kiwi Style Icon Receives An Order Of Merit For Her Work.

- Lynley Ward

Her extravagant gowns have graced the pages of the Weekly since the 1970s, her exquisitely crafted wedding dresses have adorned countless brides and her creativity has inspired a generation of fashion designers.

But for the recently honoured Vinka Lucas, now in her late 80s, it’s the joy of seeing women transformed by her creations that has made every stitch worthwhile.

While it’s been 10 years since the Auckland designer suffered a debilitating stroke, proud daughter Anita Turner-Williams says her talented mum was moved to tears when told about her New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the fashion industry and design.

“When we read her the Prime Minister’s letter she was very happy, weren’t you?” asks Anita, (54) gazing admiringly at Vinka as she dabs her eyes.

“She’s just overjoyed. It’s been a long time coming. A lot of people were surprised to learn she hadn’t got it already, but she’s not one to sing her own praises.

“I put a couple of posts on Vinka Design Facebook and our Instagram, and the accolades that came – she was just overwhelmed, weeping and laughing and just so happy to see that people still cared.”

Anita says her mother wasn’t only a visionary, setting up a one-stop bridal shop in the 1960s with her father David, but she turned heads with her own distinct style too.“She was so colourful and flamboyant. The way she dressed and presented herself was just so different from most New Zealanders. She had the most amazing clothes and matching handbags, shoes, hats and gloves. I thought all mothers’ wardrobes were like that and was absolutely shocked to find out this wasn’t normal,” laughs Anita.