Annual event continues to attract entries and interest
Firmly established as a key event on the national fashion calendar, the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards, established in 1988, continue to attract entries and interest from throughout New Zealand.
A competitive platform for all amateur designers for the past 30 years, the awards have provided a valuable opportunity for both experienced and emerging entrants to display their designs before a panel of high profile judges, and an audience that has increased to over 1100 people.
Last year’s head judge Dame Denise’Estrange-Corbet is unable to make the two-day event this year due to a diary clash and will be replaced fellow WORLD cofounder designer Francis Hooper.
He will be joined on the judging panel by Massey University Fashion Department Head Sue Prescott, Auckland-based stylist and fashion personality Luke Bettesworth and New Zealand Fashion Museum director Doris du Pont.
Each judge will spend two days casting their well-trained eyes over each and every garment before deciding on the winners of each section.
Held at the Gore Town And Country Club from Friday, July 27 to Saturday, July 28, the Hokonui Fashion Awards have experienced significant growth throughout the years, with the number of garments reaching the finals and appearing on stage exceeding organiser’s expectations.
Now the longest running fashion design awards of their type in New Zealand, the awards continue to receive an increase in both public following and support from key sponsors. The event’s move to the Gore Town & Country Club has also contributed to an improved format, providing an opportunity to feature additional showcases from some of the country’s top designers.
Awards secretary Sheree McIntyre says there were more entries than last year and a big increase in the number from school pupils, however only two are from Southland.
"There’s something different every year. Avant garde and streetwear are popular this year, but a lot of it depends on what the design schools are focusing on."
This year’s awards feature an 80s section, which has attracted about 15 entries, to celebrate the awards’ anniversary.
The awards will begin on Friday evening, July 27, with the Hokonui Strictly Design Evening.