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Fashion masterpieces made from ‘rubbish’ took centre stage at Waitakere City’s sixth annual Trash to Fashion Awards night. This
environmental spin on haute couture was cool and inventive, with designers challenged to use recycled materials to make unique fashion statements.
Event organiser, Miranda Brown, calls it “conscious clothing”, and says it’s part of a global trend of blending art with environmental issues.
“We wanted to give the young and the young-at-heart an exciting, creative outlet,” says Brown, “but at the same time we were promoting the reuse, recycle, reduce message. This is more relevant than ever in the Auckland Region, where the growth of the city’s environmental problems is escalating along with its population. Trash to Fashion provides a platform to highlight these concerns in a very positive, visual and contemporary way.”
A record crowd of more than 2300 attended the Trash to Fashion show
held over a two-day period (November 2 and 3). Trash to Fashion was originally conceived four years ago by the ‘Keep Waitakere City Beautiful’ campaign.
Some
of the categories included “Garbage Glitz” - extravaganza garments made
for “The Ball, Broadway or the Bride”; “Future Pacifica” - Maori and Pacific style with man-made or natural materials; “Naturally the West” - organic couture which pays tribute to Aotearoa; and a special section for secondary school students.
The awards night at the Waitakere City Athletics Stadium wowed its audience not only with fantastical fashion, but a show big on light, sound, innovative choreography, and guest entertainers. Entries came from a cross-section of the community with all ages, amateurs and professionals represented in a multi-cultural visual feast.
“Some garments told stories, some were political, others were purely witty and fantastical,” says Brown. “The dedication and creativity was extravagant the way people reinvented rubbish, transforming the discarded into fashion/art statements.”
In total, 160 garments were modelled and came from as far away as Gisborne and Northland. Brown says this year’s show was the best yet.
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“It was definitely a step up from last year - with astounding costumes and set. Trash to Fashion is a perfect blend of a highly professional and pacey show that still retains a
community heart.”
The entertainment line-up included Mika as MC and his dance group Toro Toro. A mass Polynesian choir of 120 also opened the show with soul and groove. Ngila Dickson, designer of Hercules and Xena and Lord of the Rings, was on the judging panel, as well as leading New Zealand fashion designer Liz Mitchell.
Contestants competed for $500 prize money in each of the six categories with a supreme award of $2000 for best overall design. The Waitakere Licensing Trust $2000 Supreme Award for best overall design was won by Glen Eden student Rachel Galuszewski for her “Queen of Hearts” entry made from recycled playing cards.
For all results, check out the Trash to Fashion website.
For
more information contact :
Creative
Director, Miranda Brown
Phone: (09) 836-8000 ext 8460
email:
Miranda.Brown@waitakere.govt.nz
Barbara
Cade
Phone: (09) 836-8000 ext 8780
email:
barbara.cade@waitakere.govt.nz
Trash to Fashion Awards 2001
2-3 November, 8pm
Waitakere Athletics Stadium
55-69 Central Park Drive, Henderson.
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