Convenor Heather Paterson commented that this year was a trial run to gauge the response from schools and she was please with the level and quality of entries received. ‘On the basis of the success of the competition this year we will promote the competition further to ensure that it continues to move forward’.
The open competition of the Awards again attracted strong entries from through-out New Zealand and the introduction of a Steampunk section gave an added dynamic to the well proven and successful formula of the Awards. This section, enhanced by the amazing voice of local singer Trudie Rowe and the creativity of the designers certainly gained the approval of the audience.
The judging panel of Benny Castles – World, Theresa Brady – Doosh, Brady and Sable and Minx, Debbie Lawson – Deval, Emily Kerse spent hours judging the 200 plus finalist garments before coming up with the section winners and the overall winner of the Ensign Award of Excellence.
Benny Castles speaking on behalf of the judges told the audience that the judges were all highly impressed with the creativity of the designs that they had judged. He said that he himself was ‘blown away’ by the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards describing them as ‘an absolutely amazing event’.
Awards convenor Heather Paterson deemed the 2011 Awards a great success and paid tribute to her hard working band of helpers who work so hard behind the scenes. She also thanked the sponsors who continue to support the Awards ‘without that support the Awards would be unable to exist.
For a full list of winners click here
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Category: Westpac Young Designer Award
Winning Designer: Alison Brooks