Feathers flying

The annual Novadown Fashioned Feathers event in association with Arthur Barnetts is set to hit Dunedin on the 28th of April conjuring up the most fashion forward and creative idea they can using provided feathers, down and fabric…

The annual Novadown Fashioned Feathers event in association with Arthur Barnetts is set to hit Dunedin on the 28th of April; seeing which entrants can come up with the most fashion forward and creative idea they can conjure using provided feathers, down and fabric.

During April in Dunedin, feathers will be used for an unusual fashion competition to raise money for the Asthma Foundation.

As is now the tradition, invited finalists will get to sashay down the runway in front of a panel of judges including representatives from Arthur Barnett, the Asthma Foundation and Nom*D designer Margi Robertson.

“I’m intrigued to see how designers work with feathers and duvet materials,” says first time judge, Robertson. “Feathers are a luxurious lightweight material that has long been a part of the history of garments the world over and I’m interested in how the different fabrics are translated into a fashion garment,” she says. “I will be looking for entries that provide a balance of all design elements, such as use of materials, how they work with the body, inventiveness, quality, and more than a dash of style,” she says. “My advice to the entrants is to push boundaries, don’t settle for your first idea and see where your creativity takes you!”

This year the competition includes prizes for fashion as well as recognising creative flair. “The last time the event was held the fashion element was very strong, so this year we wanted to be able to recognize entries that embraced that element,” says Novadown Marketing Manager Nicola Lester. The event will also feature an auction of donated garments from established Kiwi labels such as Ketz-ke, Michelle Yvette, Basquesse and milliner Amy Jansen Leen alongside and Otago favourites Jane Sutherland, St Clair Design, Charmaine Reveley and iD Emerging Designers Pacific Blue Prize Winner Laura Marshall; inspired by their winter 2010 collections.

Below An entry in the last competition using chicken wire and feathers.

Butterfly prize winner.

28th April 2010 • Otago Museum • 419 Great King St, Dunedin • Doors open at 7.30
Tickets $40.00 – includes complimentary glass of wine, nibbles and gift bag
Get yours today from the Home Linen Department, Arthur Barnett, ph 03 467 7775 OR 0800 801129 Ext: 878