Matt Gaucci models the winning ensemble in the Hokonui
Fashion Awards, a three-piece ensemble incorporating parts
of a man's lawn bowling cardigan, created by Dunedin
designer Laura Marshall. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Pieces of a man's cardigan which was originally designed
for a lawn bowler gave Dunedin designer Laura Marshall a
winning edge in Gore on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old's embellished three-piece ensemble, which she
said was inspired by a box jellyfish, won the menswear
section of the annual Hokonui Fashion Design Awards and the
overall The Ensign award of excellence.
Ms Marshall, who won a total of $11,000 in prizes, was
overwhelmed with her win, describing it as "unreal".
Now working for fashion company Company of Strangers, Ms
Marshall graduated bachelor of fashion design from Otago
Polytechnic last year.
Her winning ensemble was created as part of her 2008
portfolio.
She said she was drawn to designing clothes for men, partly
because there were not many menswear designers in New
Zealand, and because the women's wear design field was "very
competitive".
"I'm not a very competitive person."
This year's awards attracted a record number of entries,
executive producer Heather Paterson said.
In all, 298 garments were submitted, and 250 made it to the
catwalk at the Gore Town and Country Club Stadium.
The judging panel comprised World fashion label co-owner
Francis Hooper, Sydney-based creative director of Lino
magazine Rex Turnbull, designer Charmaine Reveley, Doosh
designer Theresa Brady, and Christchurch hairdresser Mike
Hamel.
Head judge Hooper said the choice of overall winner might be
"a bit controversial".
Other section winners were more colourful, but Marshall's
design was "a cut above the rest", he said.
He described the ensemble as "quietly brilliant", and the
tailoring and finishing of the cardigan, singlet and trousers
as "exquisite".
Results. -
Street Wear: Elise Barnes 1, Victoria Beach 2, Hollie
Perniskie merit.
Knitted: Ruth Bucknell 1, Marita Green 2, Viv Tamblyn merit.
Denim: Gregory Wiseman Spence 1, Amy van Luijk 2, Alison
Hills merit.
Wool: Roberta Lee Davis 1, Christine Webb 2, Nikki McAllum
merit.
Menswear: Laura Marshall 1, Campbell Turner 2, Rachel Webb
merit.
Collections: Carla Yeung 1, Campbell Turner 2, Sophie Hardy
merit.
Kiwiana: Margaret Lewis 1, Aaron Brensell 2.
Avant-Garde: Marie Kelly 1, Carly Lewis 2, Pagan Banfield
merit.
Nightlife: Charmaine Cowlishaw 1, Ashley Franklin 2, Jeannie
Macdonald merit.
Major awards: designer, Claire Miller; young designer, Elise
Barnes; The Ensign excellence, Laura Marshall.
- The Ensign
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