Wool challenge tests students
Alice in Wonderland and Joan of Arc have inspired the catwalk entries of two Christchurch fashion students at a show next month.
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology students will show their designs at the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards in Gore.
All 17 second-year fashion students have to enter the competition’s wool section as part of their course.
‘‘We use it as a learning process so that students can understand a brief. When we give them the brief, it gives them a taste of what it’s like working for a firm or client,’’ fashion tutor Nicola Chrisp said.
Kate Buckley, 18, based her designs on Alice in Wonderland.
‘‘I thought I would try to have some fun with it,’’ she said. ‘‘Normally I’m into black, but I thought I would experiment with some colour.’’
The main colours for her garments are blue, white and pink.
Justine Balcar, 37, took her inspiration from warrior women, particularly Joan of Arc. ‘‘I’m interested in warrior women in history and their consequences,’’ she said.
Her black leggings with silver thread represented Joan’s armour, as did the leather sleeves of her woollen dress.
The limited amount of fabric and range of colours, as well as materials of different densities, was challenging, she said.
The students will hold a clothing swap on July 1 to raise money to help them get to Gore for the awards.
Wool section: