Media release: NorthTec student wins Bernina Fashion Awards Northland 2010
NorthTec fashion student Melanie Tomas took out the top prize at this year’s Bernina Fashion Awards Northland held in
Whangarei last week.
Melanie designed, made the pattern, constructed and fitted her winning cocktail dress to her model and niece Bianca
Ward.
The dress won the open section before being selected as the overall winner from the 150 garments entered into the
competition.
“The garment’s construction was identified as its key strength,” said Melanie, “with the judges closely scrutinising all
of the garments during pre-judging in addition to judging how all the garments presented during the fashion awards show
itself."
Winning the competition is a huge boost for the former primary school teacher who wants to make fashion her career.
“It’s great for me. Winning the title has given me the kick to go for it and set up my own business. The standard of
entries was very high and many people could have won. I’m really glad it was me!"
Melanie credits the tutors on the NorthTec fashion programme with giving her the rigorous training that will set her on
track for achieving her future ambitions.
“Our tutors are amazing. Our learning process has been very involved with a lot of time spent on meticulous planning,
theory, and garment development prior to constructing a piece."
Winning the Bernina Fashion Awards Northland 2010 has earned Melanie two tickets to the World of Wearable Arts show in
Wellington, including flights and accommodation. More importantly it has given her the title of Northland Designer of
the Year for 2010.
Melanie aims to set up a business making ball dresses in Whangarei and says that having the title behind her will help
her attract clients. “I want to make one-off garments for girls to wear to their balls so that they can have the
experience of looking like a model with great styling and a fashion edge. A lot of girls are spending a lot of money on
garments that are ill-fitting, don’t complement their complexion or their figure and aren’t youthful.
“I would treat every girl that came to me like a friend and be honest with them. I know about fashion and I’m good at
styling. Everyone can look like a model, it’s just a question of good styling."
NorthTec is the Tai Tokerau (Northland) region's largest provider of tertiary education, with campuses and learning
centres in Whangarei, Kerikeri, Rāwene, Kaikohe and Kaitaia. NorthTec also has over 60 community-based delivery points
from Coatesville in rural Rodney to Ngataki in the Far North.
ENDS