Another star studded judging panel

May 9th 2014

Press Release – for immediate release

Another star studded judging panel for the Hastings PAK’nSAVE Edible Fashion Awards Announced!

The 2014 Hastings PAK ‘n SAVE Edible Fashion Awards announce an impressive line-up of celebrity Judges for the May 31st Awards.

There has been an exciting change this year as the organizers of the awards have brought back two judges from the previous year and introduced a ‘new’ third judge. Andrea Vernik-Taaffe Event Director and Production Manager for the Awards said this is absolutely a strategic move on our part – by having returning judges we get consistency and a strong understanding of the Awards and designs – this means the designers will clearly benefit from this invaluable experience.

The Line-up includes Bonnie Berkett – Bonnie is an American Celebrity Chef best known for her appearance on Gordon Ramsay's grueling tv competition Hell's Kitchen, where she was runner up on the show's 3rd season. After the show, Bonnie started her own private chef service, Bonnie Appetit, in her hometown of Los Angeles, California. She has cooked for several A-list Hollywood celebrities and specializes in cooking for several dietary restrictions. In 2010, Bonnie and her kiwi husband Shane moved to Hawke's Bay, and in 2012 Bonnie opened Bonnie Cakes, an American style bake house specializing in cupcakes. Just recently, Bonnie has accepted the position as Head Chef at the new Ormlie Lodge, Ormlie 1899.

Alix Bushnell, perhaps more recognizable as Britta from the first season of TVNZ Series Go Girls is returning this year. Alix was plucked from New Zealand’s National Drama School, Toi Whakaari and selected for the role of Britta back in series one and two of Go Girls. Since then, Alix had a major role in the New Zealand feature film, Matariki, directed by Michael Bennett. She shot the film between production on series one and two of Go Girls. The role earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film at the 2011 Aotearoa Film and Television Awards (AFTAs). She also appeared in the New Zealand drama series, This is Not My Life and has featured in several television commercials.

Alix was delighted to be asked to return for 2014 ‘Having spent several years in Hawkes Bay, I cannot wait to see the creative inspiration behind what I have no doubt will be fabulous designs”.

Last and by no means least, we are extremely happy to have Sarah Nelson - Designer from Napier. Over the past 15 years Sarah has submitted entries into the Fibre & Fleece, Hokonui & WOW Awards where some of her creations have been selected for the show, nominated as finalists & much to her delight held as exhibition or stage show pieces. When WOW moved to Wellington Sarah took the wonderful opportunity to become involved as a backstage volunteer in the WOW wardrobe & merchandising teams. Sarah says " I am absolutely thrilled to be invited to be Head Judge for the 2014 Edible Fashion Awards and I can’t wait to see what wild, wacky & wonderful creations will be conceived by the designers "Good Luck to them all!

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