Well heeled to cycle in style | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Ria van Dyke is well acquainted with glamour events, but the Miss Universe New Zealand beauty queen will be hosting a fashion show with a difference this Sunday at the Hawke's Bay Opera House.

Ms van Dyke is co-hosting the first Heels On Wheels fashion show, which will see models dressed in this season's trends on the runway on two wheels.

iWay co-ordinator and regular commuter cyclist Owen Mata said Heels On Wheels would prove cycling didn't have to limit people to Lycra, neon and reflective strips.

"The idea is to demonstrate that you don't have to dress down or in Lycra when on a bike. You can be fashionable," he said.

Sally Anne Clothing and Thomsons Suits would be providing the cycle-friendly styles, while hard-core cyclists could eye up the slick bikes on show from retailers Avanti Plus and Revolution Bikes.

There were five sections to the show, ranging from practical everyday cycle-friendly attire, to frocks on bikes and designs by EIT fashion students.

Men weren't forgotten, either, with a category dedicated to men's corporate biking.

It's not the first time Hastings District Council's iWay has advocated fashion for casual cyclists. iWay's Cycle Chic competition in February saw people in business suits, ball gowns and everyday skirts and heels cycling to and from work.

The first 200 guests at Heels On Wheels will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles and one audience member will win a woman's bike as a spot prize.

Heels On Wheels is a free event, 3pm-5pm, Sunday May 22, Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings.