Night of creative firsts
Callum Mepsted broke out the “blue steel” and ‘‘magnum’’ looks from male model movie Zoolander as he sashayed down the catwalk at the Waihi Beach Wearable Arts and Arty Bra Show.
Self conscious at being really, really, really, ridiculously goodlooking, Callum saw the audience and changed up his poses — deciding instead to channel Derek Zoolander rather than go for the standard catwalk moves.
It was a night of firsts for Callum, who is a core and field technician with OceanaGold. It was his first time at the event, first time modelling and the first time he’s worn a dress. The beautiful Amber Glow creation won two prizes — supreme winner and the Arty Bra category.
“It’s for cancer, for a good cause. So when my boss asked me if I’d be a model I thought ‘why not’, it’s a bit of fun!”
The supermodel had just one catwalk practice on Friday and nailed it on Saturday night.
The grand prize winner designer was Melinda Rapson, from Pauanui.
Her winning entry comprised of cicada skins, kauri gum, gold-painted puka leaves, dehydrated slime that encased amber fairy lights and 3D printed plastic koru lace. Callum’s red hair perfectly suited the outfit.
The judges were impressed by the “natural materials, the cohesiveness of the elements and the experimental nature of the piece that created a convincing effect on stage, which included the showmanship of Callum as he sauntered, sceptre raised, down the catwalk”.
Event coordinator Kelly Moselen described the night as “epic”.
A giant pink chandelier and a runway of fairy lights set the stage for the event held at the Waihi Beach Community Centre to a sell-out crowd of 350.
Seventeen artists shared their creations across four categories — steampunk, Kiwi-as, recycled/ upcycled and arty bras.
For the first time Crystal Chandelier (CC) presented as herself rather than as her alter ego after her transition from male to female. Judges were Charlie
Whiteley,
Kruize
Murray
Faulker and multi-award winner of previous years’ events,
Cherie
Elmsly. Kelly says it was an incredible night helped with the inclusion of DJ AlleyKat, a professional sound, lighting and stage crew, roaming artists from Waihi Troupe and surprise guest appearances from Fred Dagg and Richard O’Brien (creator of Rocky Horror Picture Show).
Terrell Carroll created the event 10 years ago to fundraise for breast cancer.
This year funds went to local charity CanSurf, an annual respite surf camp held at Waihi Beach for young people living with cancer.
Winners
■ Steampunk: Portia McKenzie The Plague Doctor, modelled by Cameron McKenzie
■ Kiwi As: Lisa Meehan Forest Fairies modelled by Crystal Williams and Mystique Nathan
■ Recycled/upcycled: Amanda Hamlin All that binds us
■ Arty Bras: Melinda Rapson Amber Glow modelled by Callum Mepsted
■ LJ Hooker overall grand prize winner: Melinda Rapson Amber Glow modelled by Callum Mepsted.