There's no shortage of fresh talent coming into the NZ fashion industry post-Fashion Week with the recent announcement of the two major winners of the Bernina Fashion Awards...
The two major winners of the 2003 Bernina National Secondary Schools Fashion Awards were Sandy Qiu (pictured TOP) from Mairehau High School in Christchurch (Creativity in Sewing category winner) and Amelia Boland (pictured BOTTOM) from Nelson College for Girls (Excellence in Techniques and Processes category winner).
The two students won a Bernina sewing machine for themselves and $1,000 worth of equipment for their schools.
Sandy’s winning outfit was a striking pink and black checked skirt with a matching bodice which instantly caught the eye of the judging panel.
Judged by Zambesi fashion designer Elisabeth Findlay, Bafta award winning costume designer Ngila Dickson, Bernina representative Kerrie Hay and HETTANZ (Home Economics Teachers Association of New Zealand) judge Aileen Brewerton, Findlay described the piece, which included handstitched lyrics of a song on the bodice, as “poetic”.
“The combination of the corset and skirt and the way that she has detailed it works. It is refreshingly youthful and shows exceptional talent.”
Dickson echoed these comments summing up the outfit as “a perfectly balanced piece of design.”
Amelia’s winning entry was a corset-style top with cap sleeves and chinese collar and wrap-around trousers.
The judges agreed that the combination of textures, colours and detail made Amelia’s design stand out.
“Technically it is beautifully finished. The cut and construction is of a high standard. For someone so young to me it shows a real talent,” Findlay said.
“She has combined a lot of really interesting and difficult fabrics. It has been carefully thought out and it will be interesting to see what she does next,” Dickson said.
A third award for Accessory Design, which is for those new to sewing, was won Henry Poor from Takapuna Grammar School.
Over 400 students from around the country entered this year’s competition – the highest number recorded in the Award’s 13 year history.
The Bernina Fashion Awards are the only awards in New Zealand dedicated to recognising and rewarding young fashion talent at national secondary school level and are run in association with HETTANZ (Home Economics Teachers Association of New Zealand).
In describing the entries, Findlay said she was surprised at how adventurous the students were with their fabric choices.
“There has been some really interesting use of fabrics, textures and embellishments. It is great to see Bernina encouraging this kind of creativity at the secondary school level.”
Entry kits for the 2004 Bernina Fashion Awards will be distributed to schools in the New Year.
There's no shortage of fresh talent coming into the NZ fashion industry post-Fashion Week with the recent announcement of the two major winners of the Bernina Fashion Awards...
“She has combined a lot of really interesting and difficult fabrics. It has been carefully thought out and it will be interesting to see what she does next,” Dickson said.