Recognition for Dunedin designer's sustainable collection

13 June 2012

Sustainable collection brings national recognition for Dunedin designer

A collection borne of frustration with the amount of waste generated by the fashion industry has garnered national recognition for Dunedin-based designer, Fiona Clements (Kai Tahu).

The Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Design (Fashion) graduate has been selected as a 2012 finalist in the Miromoda Fashion Design Awards in Wellington, a showcase for the country’s top emerging and established Māori designers. “I did a little dance and got a little bit excited when I found out,” Fiona admits, laughing.

Her third-year collection Chimerical Conundra was carefully pieced together using fabric offcuts sourced from the Dunedin clothing stores, Adventure Outfitters and St Clair Design. Colourful knitted hoods with dinosaur patterns on them completed the looks.

“Everything has a life cycle. I believe that if you’re going to use something, you should use all of it.

“Sorting the pieces of fabric took ages. I lay the shapes on the floor so I could see their curves and how they could fit together. There was a bit of trial and error involved,” she says.

It’s not the first time her sustainable designs have previously attracted industry attention. She showed her collection at the 2012 iD Dunedin Fashion Show, after impressing a panel of fashion luminaries such as Margi Robertson and Charmaine Reveley.

Fiona hopes the exposure and recognition she is gaining will encourage consumers and designers to think more about creating and purchasing sustainably. “It’s not about trying to make people feel bad or guilty, but to think more about the way forward; consuming less for longer.”

Otago Polytechnic’s Academic Leader – Fashion, Margo Barton, says she’s incredibly proud of Fiona’s achievements. “Her collection is fabulous and the sustainable direction she is taking adds an extra element of interest and appreciation. She deserves the recognition and I wish her all the best for the Awards.”

Fiona is heading to Wellington for the Miromoda judging on Friday 22 June, where her garments will feature in a catwalk show before she faces questions from the judging panel. The awards ceremony will take place the same evening with a range of prizes on offer, including the chance to show at New Zealand Fashion Week in Auckland.

ENDS

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