20 September 2004

Villa Maria Cult-Couture 2004 Is Finally Here

Melding culture, art and high fashion to create a wearable 'taonga', the eagerly awaited Villa Maria Cult Couture will be staged – Friday 1 October 7pm, at Elliot Hall, St Kentigern College, Pakuranga.

The Awards are organised by Manukau City Council and sponsored by The Villa Maria Estate, who enjoy naming rights. Other sponsors for the 2004 awards include Meredith Connell, Auckland International Airport, GHD Limited, and MCC Waste Management. Enterprising Manukau and Toi o Manukau have also helped with the event.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the city of Manukau - manifested in 60 stunning creative garments.

Now in its 3rd year - entries will be showcased in 6 categories (Flight of Fantasy, Formally Yours, On the Streets, Obviously Organic, Recycled Revolution, Matrimonial Bliss)

To add to the atmosphere of the occasion the show will be interwoven with entertainment including, Salsa dancers, Torotoro Nesian Dance Drew, The Phonics - NZ's only electric string duo, Sarah-Jane Auvaa, Betty-Anne and Dziah.

6 judges have had the unenviable task of deciding who wins in each category – a difficult decision in this creative business.

Awards organiser Leisa Siteine, says, “Once again I am blown away by the flair and ability to think outside the square exhibited by these designers. The judges are also mightily impressed. They have noted the huge amount of thought, time and hours put into constructing many of the garments. There are some truly unique and innovative creations amongst the entries.

“The judges were also impressed at the extremely high standard and quality of the winning garments and with the standard of students’ entries this year. They commented on how this reflects very favourably on the youth population of Manukau and their skills and creativity.

“This event has become iconic and with the tremendous support of Villa Maria who sealed a deal with Manukau City Council in May as naming rights sponsor for a further three years, the future looks rosy. Villa Maria is seen as a Manukau, and New Zealand success story and a superb fit as a sponsor of an arts, cultural and fashion event. See you there at this unique event on 1 October.”

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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