Avian Plumage Scores Big With the Style Savvy

AVIAN PLUMAGE SCORES BIG WITH THE STYLE SAVVY

The feathers ew at The Novadown Fashioned Feathers Wearable Arts Show last week, showcasing what the public and the countries leading designers can do with feathers, down, fabric and a whole lot of imagination.

Held at the Otago Museum in Dunedin, nalists strutted their stuff before a judging panel that included local designers Nicola Reilly of Elusiv Clothing and Charmaine Reveley, before an auction of designer garments to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Zealand.

The winner of the public section, Julie Whiteeld, entered a piece that juxtaposed the rigidity of fashions of bygone eras with the softness of feathers. Entitled To Be Set Free, the garment consisted of a metal cage surrounding a corset-like bodice and skirt of unravelled scrolls.

“Women in the 15th to 18th century had their bodies shaped and conned by garments containing cold and hard steel or bone,” says the mother of three. “My piece was about those women wishing to be released.”

Julie’s piece took an entire month to make. “I am more on the art rather than fashion design side, so I like how entries to this event don’t have to be something you would wear downtown,” she says. “In fact I think the entire Fashioned Feathers concept is fantastic, and something really
special for Dunedin.”

Guest Designer Judges and locals Nicola Reilly of Elusiv Clothing and Charmaine Reveley were stunned by the workmanship that went into all of the public entries. “Such amazing craft detail and so much time went into some of the garments,” says Reveley. Reilly agrees. “The entries incorporated amazing attention to detail with meaningful components from all involved, from Novadown to the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” she says.

Fashioned Feathers began in 2006 as a way for Novadown to raise money for the worthy children’s charity and align their quality bedding with fashion and creativity. The quirky idea was so popular, established and aspiring designers have ocked to be involved.

The auction of donated garments from established Kiwi designers such as Caroline Church, St Clair Design and AMOK raised much needed funds to grant wishes to children with terminal illnesses. Julie was delighted with her win, her second in as many years - but doesn’t think she will enter next years event. “I feel a bit greedy winning two years in a row!”

ENDS

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