Sleeping Japanese Beauty Takes Out Fashion Title

4 November 2006, Dunedin: A wearable arts garment inspired by a Japanese Pillow Book, has taken out first place at Dunedin's Feathered Fashion show.

The Pillow Book created by Julie Whitefield is based on the notion of a Japanese Pillow Book where a sleeper's thoughts are written down with feather quills.

"A pillow was used as the main unit to construct the garment, filled with feathers and down it can trap the sleeper's thoughts, ideas and fantasies. The soft feathers surround and protect the wearer from the harsh reality of the outside world," says Whitefield.

Nicola Lester, marketing manager for Dunedin pillow and duvet company Novadown, says The Pillow Book's philosophy and design execution made it stand out as a winner.

Tribute to the Noble Huia placed second and designer Ros Goulding says although the world may never see another Huia (bird), it's beauty can still inspire.

Goulding says the strands of the past are woven through the garment in a tribute to the noble Huia; its gorgeous orange wattles and glossy velvet plumage.

Lester says the third place winner Shannon Morton's garment Algaia portrayed what we are all guilty of at times - being cautious to show and reveal who we are, safely guarding ourselves by our exterior shell.

Lester says the criteria for entering Fashioned Feathers was simple - all entrants were given feathers and white down proof cotton fabric as a starting point.

Fashioned Feathers also featured Caroline Church, Annah Stretton, Tori Hart, Brian Molyneux, Posh Design and Cherry Cotton Candy (Tanya Carlson) whose feathered garments were auctioned for Make-a-Wish Foundation. The public section was judged by Arrowtown designer Tamsin Cooper, Marlen Smith from Make-a-Wish Foundation and a representative from both Novadown and Arthur Barnett.

Proceeds from the event went to Make-a-Wish Foundation, an organisation that grants wishes to children living with life-threatening illnesses.

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