Tuesday 23 November heralded the second ever Wintec Fashion Design Graduate show. This second foray into runway was even sleeker and more professional than last year’s and the calibre of the graduates’ work exceeded expectations…
2010 WINTEC Fashion Graduate Show
Event Room, Gallagher Hub, WINTEC (Waikato Institute of Technology)
Tuesday 23 November heralded the second ever Wintec Fashion Design Graduate show.
This second foray into runway was even sleeker and more professional than last year’s venture, and again, the calibre of the graduates’ work exceeded even the sceptics’ expectations. Before Mayor Julie Hardaker, Councillor Gordon Chesterman, Waikato Times’ GM Gerard Watt and the teams from Annah Stretton and Nyne, the models took to the stage in the year one student show ‘Future Vision’.
Taking inspiration from the roaring twenties through to the 1990’s, the students looked back at the iconic fashions of these eras, injecting their own fresh twists. The particular standout was Mindika (Gayan) Meemange (pictured left), whose Mary Quant inspired piece took out the first year’s award for top design, presented by the Waikato Times.
Wintec’s beauty therapy students’ work was also on display with a video slide show of Avant Garde looks. As these are students, this show was also judged, this time by Megan Macfie, of the award winning Body Café, who chose Kathy Li’s Oriental, tiger-inspired look as the winner.
Below: Tina Harvey.
The main event of the night, the graduate show, offered something for everyone from studded gumboots, exquisite embroidery, strong social messages and an ode to Clockwork Orange.
Below: Julia Crickett.
The diversity of the collections was impressive with feminine offerings from Alice Nicholson and Danica Hibdige (pictured below), to gothic and grunge inspired pieces from Amelia Carleton, Hanne Dusterwald, and Stephanie Woods, to the precise tailoring and structural designs from Jaye Kells, Samantha Purcell and Julia Crickett.
Below: Hanne Dusterwald.
In between, Aniwa Kingi captured the nomadic spirit with her 100% natural fabrics, while Sera Brennan (below) took a look at the youth drinking culture in New Zealand, her models wearing oxygen masks, and her pieces printed with martini glasses and stethoscopes.
If all this seemed a bit heavy, Tina Harvey’s Island collection harked to summer days on Ibiza, with bright jewel toned resort wear.
Waikato Times also presented an award to the top year two student. The collections of the three finalists, Julia Crickett, Jaye Kells and Amelia Carleton, definitely captured the New Zealand aesthetic, of dark moody pieces, layering and exquisite tailoring and detail. Jaye Kells, with her collection Dark Knights, deservedly took out the award. Her vision that the “modern woman is her own knight in shining armour” was perfectly captured in her garments. Sophisticated tailoring and shape saw Ms Kells shine amongst a talented line up.
Below: Bag by Aniwa Kingi.
Personal favourites of mine alongside Ms Kells include Julia Crickett’s black jacket with exquisite back detailing, the silhouettes of Hanne Dusterwald’s corsets in her Avante Garde collection, and Amelia Carleton’s chain work.
Below: Hanne Dusterwald.
This event built on last year’s efforts, with more sponsors, including Waikato-based Caroline Eve, Waikato Times and Tempo, Kim Crawford wines, VnC Cocktails and Stronglite Staging. Annah Stretton, the company and staff, continue to play a major role in supporting the programme. As MC Tony Hope declared, the success of the Wintec program ensures a great future for fashion in the Waikato.
Below: Jaye Kells.
Below: Amelia Carlton.
Story and photos Shelley Gilbert 23 November 2010
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