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August 2021

WoolOn Fashion Flag Flies High [Tue, 17 August 2021]

  • WoolOn Fashion Flag Flies High -  - WoolOn 2021 - Supreme Award Winner - Safety Dance by Simone Montgomery.

The iconic WoolOn Fashion Event has burst back into life on New Zealand's fashion calendar having just completed three successful days of fashion, fun, learning and of course all things wool.

WoolOn 2021 attracted a skill level and put on a show that judge and creator of Touch Yarns, Marnie Kelly commented were on par with any other high-quality fashion event across New Zealand.

The Supreme Award went to Simone Montgomery from Port Chalmers with her edgier, modern take on streetwear 'Safety Dance'. The Supreme Award first runner-up was Charlotte Hurley from Alexandra with her design created from old hospital blankets 'From Ward to Wine'. This stylish full-length fitted dress and clutch also won the Re-Purposed category. Supreme Award winner second runner was Laurel Judd of Napier with her design 'Tokyo'. Laurel won the Handcrafted, Accessories, and Avant-Garde categories and received the Technique Award. 

WoolOn 2021 saw an award given for the best entry from a school student from across all categories. The Schools Award winner was Maddie Wellbrock of Masterton with her ensemble 'Rewa Rewa'.

The Matau-Au award for cultural interpretation was awarded to 7-year-old Alexandra Primary School student Sophia Hinsen with 'Hot and Cold', a crossbody bag she had needle felted herself.

Chair of the WoolOn governance committee Mrs Mary Hinsen said putting ib e event has been a leap of faith but the result has surpassed all expectations.

"We couldn't have done it without our hard-working committee, amazing community, designers, sponsors, and everyone who helped make WoolOn 2021 such a success.