Several imaginative east Auckland school pupils came away winners from this year’s Toi World of Wearable Arts (WOW) competition.
Bucklands Beach Intermediate School pupil Abby Rothery was named Junior National 1st Place winner for her creation, entitled Sticky Situation.
She won a WOW Prize Pack, a Bernina sewing machine, and a voucher for The Fabric Store.
Her winning entry is described as “buzzing with handcrafted felt bees, this enormous walking honeycomb made from cardboard and paper mache sends a message that without bees, humans really will be in a ‘sticky situation’”.
The judges said: “Bees swarm this larger-than-life honeycomb. This work of art is exceptionally designed and executed.
“An eye for detail and drama tells a story of bees and their importance in this world.”
Botany Downs Secondary College pupil Gemma Vincer’s entry, entitled Who’s Watching Who?, earned the award for Best Interpretation of Design Brief – Myths, Legends and Fantastic Creatures (Senior).
Described as “vibrant blue and covered in eyes of varying shapes and sizes”, Who’s Watching Who? serves as a captivating exploration of the eternal dance between observer and observed.
“Inspired by an enigmatic alien creature from an uncharted world, this garment invites wearers to become both participant and spectator in the ever-unfolding drama of the universe.”
Of the work the judges said: “The mind-bending originality in this entry twists our ideas of perception through creative composition, dramatic reveal, and use of scale and variety of eyes.
“The vibrant blue and feathers evoke images of peacocks.”
A creation by Howick College pupils Casey Ferguson Sophie Hunapo, entitled What The Stars See, was named Senior National Finalist and Best Interpretation of Design Brief – Larger than Life (Senior).
They won a WOW Prize Pack and a Bernina sewing machine.
Their entry is described as: “Carefully crocheted in brilliant colours, What The Stars See reminds us there’s a whole universe out there beyond life’s daily stresses.
“Live your life how you want to; nobody but the stars are really watching.”
The competition judges said: “What the Stars See is crafted so well and the reveal of colour adds to its visual appeal. The skill and creativity shine like the stars.”
The organisers say their team is in disbelief and awe at the talent and creativity shown by the emerging designers from across the country.
This year’s contest included 14 events in 10 regions, attended by over 14,000 audience members, 540 garments, and 1123 students.
“However, what these numbers represent is so special and harder to define – collaboration with fellow students, the sparking and refining of ideas, trial and error, developing new skills, overcoming nerves to walk onstage, and celebrating the joy of creating.
“We’re thrilled to see so many students try wearable art for the first time with Toi, as well as proudly welcome back designers returning each year with more skills, new ideas and bold confidence.
“It’s been wonderful connecting emerging student designers with World of Wearable Art designer mentors to encourage and support the next generation.
“We have no doubts that there are many future successful WOW designers in our midst!”
