Media Release
18 July 2002
Entries wanted for Cult - Couture Fashion Awards
Manukau City Council and Toi o Manukau are inviting established and budding designers to meld culture and high fashion
to create a wearable “ taonga’.
The inaugural Cult-Couture wearable art awards and show is a first for Manukau. Organiser Leisa Siteine says that the
event is about reflecting the diverse cultures and life of Manukau through a contemporary wearable statement.
“We want people to let their imaginations soar and enter a wearable art piece in one of our creative categories. From
“Recycled Revolution’, to “On the Streets’ to “Matrimonial Bliss’ we are looking for unique fashion statement that shows
a creative spirit and an original cultural interpretation.
“Our categories are flexible enough to include designs that are traditional, surreal or outrageous. People can use
environmental materials to fine silks and everything in between. We want to see designs that have strong cultural
elements and that are unique,” says Leisa.
Each category winner receives $500 cash prize, with the supreme winner receiving $2,000.
Entries close on 16 August so contact 2750482 for a registration pack or visit Council’s website. The awards are open to
anyone of secondary school age up.
The event is sponsored by Westfield ShoppingTown Manukau who are supplying the fashion show venue in the old Big Fresh
Store, Amersham Way, Manukau City. The show, on 20 September, will showcase the entries in seven categories and include
musical performances.
Ticketek (09-307 5000) is selling tickets to the awards evening.
ENDS
Notes
Category Definitions
RECYCLED REVOLUTION
Artfully attack the ever increasing pile of non-biodegradable refuse suffocating the planet. Wrap, weave or shape
“waste” into “wicked”. Give us your re-vamped impression of stunning wearable waste art. (Entries using non-recycled
products will not be accepted. Recycled products means items that have already been used once (or more) in some way, or
products that can potentially be recycled, such as tin, glass, paper etc).
RECYCLED REVOLUTION (STUDENTS)
This category has the same criteria, but is open to Secondary Schools student only.
SPACE ODDITY
Star Wars, The Fifth Element and Star Trek. These movies perfectly portray the designs to be featured in this category.
Our lives are shaped by technology, so show us your ideas of a futuristic tomorrow through the free expression of
design.
OBVIOUSLY ORGANIC
Let the rhythm of nature be your guiding light. Cast your mind’s eye over the organic display that is Mother Earth and
encapsulate a vision of fashionable art, rich in the flora and fauna of our environment. (Organic material only to be
used).
A FLIGHT OF FANTASY
Take your influences from the realm of the surreal and the world of fantasy. Draw on the vibrant and spectacular flavour
of a diverse nation of people living in Aotearoa, and show us your design fantasy!
MATRIMONIAL BLISS
From the vast array of cultures around the world give us your interpretation of the wonderment and beauty of marriage.
Gorgeous gowns and groovy groomsmen - the world is your oyster from which to create show stopping wedding outfits.
ON THE STREETS
Fine or funky, let your imagination run free as you create your own street wear label. Your cool and casual designs will
make the most of the materials, textures and colours of the cultures around you.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will be looking for
„X A strong representation of the category theme
- Innovation and creativity evidenced in the overall design
- A high standard of construction and design
- Originality
- A garment that embodies and expresses the Cult-Couture concept
An electronic photograph is available on request
Media Contact:
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison
Corporate Communications
Manukau City Council
Phone: (09) 2628900 x 8650
Fax: (09) 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz