Tough Task for Judges of Edible Fashion Awards

Tough Task for Judges of Edible Fashion Awards

With a record number of entries received for this year’s Hastings Pak’nSave Edible Fashion Awards, the judges are in for a tough time.

To date, the 2016 Awards have attracted more than 100 entries, the highest in recent years. With three weeks to go until entries close, Event Manager Odette Bowyer says they should easily exceed the 2012 record of 110 entries.

Among those faced with the difficult task of selecting winners is flamboyant television personality and international model Colin Mathura-Jeffree.

Having judged the Awards in 2015, Colin describes it as “an incredible honour” to be invited back. “I will always support new fashion, new faces and new innovation. That’s what this show is all about.”

Coming from the industry of fashion, Colin stresses the importance of choosing the right model to show off the garments and he is excited about the inclusion of a Top Model Award in this year’s show. “The best models don’t come form the big cities, they come from places like Napier and Hastings,” he says.

Also returning to the judging panel for the second time is Hawke’s Bay artist and former World of Wearable Arts (WOW) winner Kate Mackenzie.

Kate believes this year’s theme ‘Fantastical’ has helped attract entries by giving designers plenty of scope to work with. “The theme is broad enough to grab people’s imaginations,” she says. “I’m really excited to see what’s going to pop up this year.”

She also credits the inclusion of a jewellery and accessories category with boosting entries, allowing budding designers to “have a go” without the time commitment required to create a complete outfit.

Joining Colin and Kate at the judging table for the first time is Melissa Williams, founder of iconic New Zealand clothing label, Kilt.

Melissa says she is honoured to be joining the judging panel for this year’s Awards. “Encouraging creativity is a huge passion of mine so it was an easy decision to become involved.”

Melissa says that while theme and workmanship are obviously an important part of the judging, the garment also needs to make her “feel something.”

“For me personally, it needs to have an immediate impact. I love pieces that grab my attention and make me want to know more about them.”

Having previously judged wearable arts shows, Melissa finds it invaluable to spend time with the garment’s creator. “Some of the detail you miss when it’s up on stage so I like to spend time learning more about the story backstage before the event,” says Melissa.

She encourages entrants to enjoy the process of creating their garments. “For me it shines through if it’s been made with love, I feel like you can tell if it’s been a joy for someone to create.”

Hastings Pak’nSave Edible Fashion Awards

Saturday 11 June 2016

Showgrounds Hawke’s Bay

Entries close Friday 31 May

Over $9,000 in cash prizes

For more information and to enter visit www.ediblefashionawards.co.nz or email info@ediblefashionawards.co.nz

ENDS

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