23 June, 2017
New works for New Zealand Fashion Week
The glitz and glamour of the New Zealand Fashion Week catwalk will soon be a reality for three Otago Polytechnic
graduates.
Laura Bennett, Kimberly Ramsey and Letitia Powell have been chosen to represent the institute in the New Zealand Fashion
Week Graduate Selection. All three women say they’re humbled by their inclusion.
“In our industry and as a recent graduate, you can’t get much better than being able to show your collection at New
Zealand Fashion Week!” Laura says.
Kimberly says breaking into the industry after graduating is the biggest challenge of all.
“I can’t express how grateful I am of being selected to represent Otago Polytechnic. I wouldn’t get this type of
experience without their support.”
Letitia couldn’t quite believe she’d been chosen.
“I read the email to my parents to check that it said what I thought it said! THEN I let myself get excited!”
They all had to expand their collections to meet the required eight outfits for the Fashion Week runway show. Their
collections are very different - Kimberly’s is the result of her honours research into the use of NZ wool for felting;
Laura’s is a contemporary interpretation of 1930’s and 1970’s glamour-wear; and Letitia’s calm, tonal sportswear
inspired collection portrays floating bodies of water.
Otago Polytechnic Professor Margo Barton says the three were selected for their overall cohesion from Otago
Polytechnic’s top graduating students for 2016.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for these students to showcase their designs and network with the press and industry.
Their collections can also be used as a portfolio piece for their futures in fashion” she says.
ENDS