5 November 2012

Bling Your Bra for Breast Cancer

For the next three weeks Wellington locals are invited to bling their bras for the third annual Bling My Bra competition and exhibition with 100% of the proceeds going to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Entries are now being accepted for the competition which is a chance for Wellingtonians to show their support for breast cancer awareness in a creative way. Entrants are asked to create or decorate a bra based on a theme or inspiration which is judged on its creativity, vision and execution. Local illustrator and craft celebrity Fifi Colston and Massey University fashion lecturer Lilian Mutsaers make up the judging panel. Entries can be viewed at a one-off pop-up exhibition to be held at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts on Friday 30 November from 5:30pm, where the winners will be announced.

The event was founded by local fashion entrepreneur and sewing educator Jenny Deonarain who started Bling My Bra to help foster and celebrate creativity in the local community in a fun feel-good way. “It’s scary how many people are in some way touched by cancer, everyone knows someone who’s been affected and that can feel pretty overwhelming. Bling My Bra is just a way to feel a little less powerless by taking some action and having a bit of fun at the same time.” The main prizes have been donated by local creative businesses and include an overlocker as well as vouchers for fabric, patterns and sewing classes.

Last year’s standout entry was entitled ‘Come on boobie light my fire’. The bra was entirely covered in unused matchsticks and won its creator Anne Aitchison both the Excellence and People’s Choice Awards. Other impressive entries included the flower-covered ‘Bratanical’ by teenager Madi Robb and the labour-intensive ‘Pretty in Pink’ by Jane Dagger which was awarded an honourable mention by the judges.

Entries close Monday 26 November, further details at www.blingmybra.org.nz

ENDS