An out-of-this-world showcase of creativity took centre stage at Motueka Memorial Hall on Saturday, as 70 entries hit the catwalk in the town’s first Creative Transformations upcycled fashion show.
Channelling the spirit of the World of Wearable Arts, the sold-out event was a collaboration between the Motueka Arts Council, Textile ResQ, and Crafty Tarts. It celebrated ingenuity and sustainability, with creativity evident in every seam.
In the streetwear section, a sleeping bag was re-tailored into a winter coat, discarded curtains became soft-pink dungarees, and a swathe of ties were reimagined as skirts, vests and dresses.
The fantastical categories pushed boundaries even further, with bubble wrap, placemats and disposable face masks transformed into cloaks, gowns and otherworldly headdresses.
Moh Portuondo Alvarez won the sustainability award for a cheerful jacket made entirely from feed bags. Mother and daughter Valetta and Lila Sowka took out the adult and children’s accessories section for their entries ‘Bouquet Boater’ and ‘Parasol of Petals’.
Anna Bannock’s riotous patchwork creation, ‘Matilda and the Studio Rats’, claimed the overall adult award. Anna says the piece came from a craft room cleanout.
“I had a lot of fabric scraps, so I thought I’d just put it all in one place.”
Anaia Brown, 13, won the overall child’s award for her ‘News Flash’ design, crafted from intricately pleated, folded and woven newspaper. She was also named the event’s grand winner, with judge Milo Hall describing the piece as a “spectacular dress”.
Milo, who judged alongside Rene Rowling and Emma Silke-French, told the audience it was inspiring to see contestants come together to create such striking pieces.
Judging began during dress rehearsals before the showcase, allowing the panel to closely examine the detail, materials and stories behind each garment. Those stories were later shared on the night by master of ceremonies Tim Morice, who also described each piece’s future – from high street fashion to treasured dress-up or art pieces.
Organiser Dani Hedges says she is delighted with the event’s success.
“We were hoping the show would do well but we have just been overwhelmed with support.”
She was also pleased Motueka High School teacher Silvia Turner incorporated the event into her textiles curriculum, encouraging students with themes such as Fantastical Futures and Across the Pacific.
Following strong community backing, Dani says there is already talk of running the show every two years.
The event was funded by the Motueka Lions Club, Tasman District Council’s waste minimisation grant, Creative Communities New Zealand and the Motueka Community Board. Motueka MenzShed built the runway, and a team of volunteers helped to pull the threads together behind the scenes. The committee is also grateful to the many local businesses who donated prizes and raffles.
