When it comes to the art of self-expression through fashion and wearable art, a college in the Hauraki punches well above its weight.
The regional Toi wearable art competition took place in Tauranga on June 16 where a group of students from Waihī College dominated the stage.
Not one, not two but six awards were swept up by five students, including the event’s top prize.
Waihī College’s Zoe-Beth Naisby, 18, stole the show when she clinched not only the Excellent Garment Construction Award but also the top honour as Star of The Night with her design named Beyond The Weave.
The Innovative Use of Materials Award was snapped up by Breeze Clothier for her design called Preserved Petals, Cleopatra Huang received the Powerful Storytelling Award for her White Terror design, while the Outstanding Presence Award was snapped up by Aleera Castro for Merry-Go-Round of Reminiscence and Mahana Magee for Te Tīmatanga o Te Ao.
Scooping the top prize was something Zoe-Beth said she “seriously couldn’t believe”.
She said the awards “mean a lot to me” because the young designer wanted to pursue a career in fashion design.
“This opportunity has been a great stepping stone,” she told The Profile.
The young creator, who designed her garment predominantly made out of black plastic bags, said she was proud of the recognition for her hard work and creative concept.
“The feeling was surreal, and I never would have expected receiving Star of the Night, considering I was amazed by everyone else’s creations.”
As part of her prize, Zoe-Beth received a Bernina stationery pack and the chance to be shortlisted for the National Toi Awards, which will be announced on August 14.
When Beyond the Weave was revealed to the audience, Zoe-Beth said she was “super proud of myself” and happy with the stage presence. “The way the stage lights reflected on the garment was exactly what I envisioned from using rubbish bags as my main material. I was also very proud of my fabulous model, Ruby Wilhelmi, for doing justice to the garment.”
The garment was primarily made of black plastic bags that were cut into strips, encased in wire for structure and rope for thickness, and every strand was individually assembled and sewn together.
“I used about 150 metres of each material for this. I then wove the bodice and created the skirt. I had to consider a lot of health and safety due to the wire but took the time to make my garment safe and wearable for my model.”
Her hope for people who witnessed Beyond the Weave was that they “see my idea through the story my garment tells”.
“The woven bodice and braided belt represent the connections that surround us. The unravelled weaving across the chest and skirt symbolises evolving into our own person and choosing an individual path.
“At first it appears chaotic, raw and unrefined, yet beneath the disorder lies undeniable beauty, independence, resilience and personal growth.”
Her message and encouragement for other students interested in creating wearable art was simple.
“Don’t be afraid to create something unconventional and that might turn out a bit ‘weird’ – those are often the best ideas.”
“Secondly, at some point, you might be over the hard work and repetition that goes into creating a wearable arts garment, but it will be so worth it when you are finished.”
Wearable art and fashion design teacher Paige Kingston said she was so proud of the courage all the Waihī College designers and models showed. “It was so wonderful to have all of their hard work acknowledged and celebrated alongside so many talented rangitahi in our wider community. There were countless hours poured into these garments from research through to construction and they all looked fantastic on stage.
“I hope they continue to follow their passions and creative pursuits, in whatever medium that may be.”
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
