Fashion show judge Tanya Carlson said the 128 entries had an “overarching” theme of dystopianism.
“There was a lot of positivity and hope in it that struck me.”
She was impressed with the students’ self-direction during the pandemic and schooling from home.
“I thought the standards were incredibly high,” she said.
Nine New Zealand designers were among the 30 Emerging Designers Award finalists, judged by Ms Carlson, Charmaine Reverie and Tara Vigo.
The iD Dunedin Fashion Show will take place at Dunedin Station on March 31st and April 1st.
NOM*D, Company of Strangers, Moochi, Charmaine Reveley and many other “fashion royalties” will be in attendance to showcase the full Winter ’23 collection.
Of the nine New Zealanders shortlisted for the Emerging Designer Award, three were students at Auckland University of Technology, two at Massey University, two at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design and two at Otago Polytechnic. did.
Otago Polytechnic graduate Ellen Ross presents her collection, Onset. It is described as a ‘commercial capsule’ based on a thoughtful approach to fashion, using the principles of sustainability and natural and upcycled fibres.
Joining her is Ethan Cruz, an Otago Polytechnic alumnus, with a clothing collection called ‘The Liminal Space’ consisting of dark heavy fabrics, layering and textile embellishments.
Alongside established designers, a “capsule collection” of five Otago Polytechnic graduates was selected to appear on the runway.
Otago Polytechnic designers are George Park, Francesca Flynn, Finn Duffy, Russell Ivan Tino and Sydney North.
Three pieces each from the 2022 graduation collection will be on display.
Margo Burton, professor at the Otago Polytechnic School of Design, said it was a great opportunity for graduates to see the collection alongside established names in the industry.
“Gives them a sense of the future they can have in this industry.”
Running from March 28th to April 2nd, Fashion Week includes exhibitions, runway shows, talks and films.
cas.saunders@odt.co.nz