Napier designer takes supreme WoolOn award

SUPREME DESIGN: ICan model Kasha Szot in Laurel Judd's black and silver evening dress, the winner of the $2000 supreme award sponsored by The Southland Times.

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A whip-cracking diva in leather sashayed on to the catwalk to mark the start of WoolOn, the finale to the 53rd Alexandra Blossom Festival on Saturday.

But the fashion show's supreme award, sponsored by The Southland Times, was won by a Napier-based designer with her black and silver evening dress in the special occasion category.

Laurel Judd, who also entered a black and orange outfit in the knitwear category, was not at the event so model Kasha Szot accepted the award on her behalf.

Judd won $2000 and $700 in gift vouchers while all other winners won $500 each.

Speaking from Napier yesterday she said the dress, which will be displayed in Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, was knitted from fine merino wool and stitched in strips with silver thread.

It took two months to make and was designed to "push the boundaries," she said.

During the three-hour show models from ICan agency mingled on the catwalk with performers from Fuse Circus.

The garments, made from at least 50 per cent wool, included a cloak with a map of New Zealand, an ankle length, heavy-knit patterned dress and a kimono-style outfit with a large sash.

Judge Angela Stone said Alexandra laid on some fine southern hospitality for the event.

The combination of fashion show, theatre and circus attracted a crowd of more than 500 to the grand marquee in Pioneer Park.

It was a challenge to select a winner from more than 60 entries across seven categories, she said.

Judd's dress was stunning, innovative and had the creative "wow factor," she said.

The young designer award winner was Chloe Hishon, 18, of Alexandra, for a dress described by the judges as "a piece of art."

Ms Hishon said the backless mini-skirt, emblazoned with an image of a Maori woman's face, was inspired by her interest in portraiture.

The Fuse troupe performed an impressive range of aerial acrobatics, trapeze and rope work set to music and a light show.

WINNERS - WoolOn winners: Supreme award sponsored by The Southland Times: Laurel Judd Young designer: Chloe Hishon Knitwear: Daphne Randle Creative: Sally Reynolds Felted: Angela Meecham Accessories: Carolyn Laing Street wear: Marjorie Boys Special occasion: Laurel Judd

- © Fairfax NZ News