The Otago Polytechnic graduate's "Tuttie Fruttie" dress is a finalist in the show's multicultural category, and she described the selection as her "next step up".
The awards attracted more than 300 entries from aspiring designers, which were whittled down to 45 finalists in three categories.
Winners will be announced on October 18, in Auckland, and Miss Ung was "stoked" to be part of it.
She also had no fear of her dress fading into the background on the catwalk.
"It's a show, and I wanted a showpiece. I pretty much raided my fabric drawers ... and just made a dress out of it," she said.
"I like to mismatch everything and chuck it all together."
Now in its 17th year, Style Pasifika had taken on a rugby theme this year, with top designers from countries in the Rugby World Cup invited to create a one-off garment using New Zealand merino wool to show at the event.
Elizabeth Emmanuel, designer of Lady Diana's wedding dress, John Rocha, of Ireland, and Yohji Yamamoto, of Japan, will show alongside top New Zealand designers, including World and Zambesi.
