A bold and colourful garment inspired by children’s pop-up books won Hokonui Fashion Design Awards on Saturday evening.
Marike Uys, of Christchurch, received the overall Award of Excellence at the design awards for her entry into the open Avant Garde section.
The colourful creation stood out with its bold shapes and unusual square structure.
At the awards, Ms Uys said she looked everywhere for inspiration.
Some of the ideas which led to the winning design’s creation included children’s pop-up books.
Winning the award was unexpected for Ms Uys.
‘‘There were so many great entries it could have gone to anyone,’’ she said.
It was her first time entering the awards.
The Christchurch-based fashion student hoped to continue pursuing fashion design and do it long term.
It was something she hoped to make a living out of.
‘‘I’ve got lots of ideas for designs.’’
The Heather Paterson QSM Memorial Award for best Southland designer was awarded to Marianne Chia, of Invercargill.
Abbey McMaster, of Winton, took the Young Designer award and proudly strutted the catwalk with her model and nightlife design embroidered with silver flowers.
There were about 200 entries in this year’s awards, now in their 29th year.
Designers entered from as far as Auckland for the show.
Awards judge Denise L’Estrange-Corbet said the evening was fantastic and the winners of each section all ‘‘jumped out’’.
She thanked everyone at the event for their continued support.
Without them, events such as the Fashion Design Awards could not happen.
She also acknowledged the committee and volunteers for organising such an enjoyable event.
