Wearable Arts 'Level 2-Style'

In a ‘year like no other,’ the Middle School Wearable Arts Show could easily have been another casualty for the Performing Arts calendar but with so much work that had already gone into preparing the costumes and dance performances, it was decided to give the students their chance on stage – but sadly, without an audience.

At the time, Level 2 prevented social gatherings greater than 10 in Auckland and with no immediate end in the sight, new plans were made. Rather than an evening show, that has traditionally seen Elliot Hall packed wall to wall with every seat taken, the students came in small groups during the school day to learn the skills of walking on a catwalk, presenting their costumes to the judges and performing their dances on stage. This was all filmed so that it could be later shared with their families.

Once again, we welcomed Kiri Whitford-Joynt, the Director of Red Studio and 3wj+boy Talent Management Agency and her daughter, Old Collegian Maddie Whitford-Joynt, to teach the students the all-important stage presence. For nine years, Kiri has worked with successive groups of Saint Kentigern students on choreography, deportment, modelling and catwalk skills, while building their confidence to walk on stage in their incredible creations. Kiri said, ‘Every year I am impressed with the extremely high standard of students’ designs, the confidence with which they explore their brief, the clever craftsmanship of their concepts and the lovely way they conduct themselves when working with me.’

Our two judges this year were Belinda Watt, HOD Fashion Design at Whitecliffe College and Liz Farr, also from Whitecliffe. With entries across five categories, the judges said they found judging particularly difficult and were pleased to be able to refer to the judging criteria:

• Creativity, zest and innovation
• How well the garment represents the category
• Presentation and construction of the design.

The Kiwiana and Pasifika section asked for garments that celebrated what it is like to live in New Zealand and the South Pacific, taking inspiration from the flora, fauna and unique personalities of our cultures.Much To Sew About Nothing drew on the Elizabethan era with its luxurious materials and vivid colours. The lights were dimmed for the Illumination garments, that were designed to light up and glow in the dark. The Sustainable Avant Garde section required the use of pre-loved materials to produce a garment that is extravagant, extrovert yet stylish.The Fantasy section called on designers to think out of this world with a futuristic concept.

The resultant range of garments on display was awe-inspiring. To support each section, dance teacher, Mr Ichiro Harada and the Year 11 dance students worked with dancers in Years 7&8 to create a dance performance. It was fabulous to see the different age groups work together in the spirit of creative collaboration.

In a more usual year, the winners would have been presented their prizes during a grand finale at the end of a successful show. This year, the prizes were presented at a special gathering in the Chapel for those involved.

For a second year in a row, Amelia Evangelidakis won the Supreme title, this year for ‘Blade Vader,’ her futuristic, galactic female warrior, entered in the Illumination section. Runner up was Mackenzie Alley with ‘Eggs as you like it,’ an Elizabethan-inspired costume made from eggboxes and repurposed coffee filters, entered in the ‘Much to sew about nothing’ category. The Whitecliffe Sustainability Award went to Sophie Ziegler for ‘My Food Bag ‘Hashtag’ OMG!’ for her creation drawing attention to packaging waste.

The combination of fashion and dance made this a fantastic showcase of student-inspired creativity – what a shame they couldn’t have presented to a live audience!

Our sincere thanks to Year 8 teacher, Ms Ashleigh McLean for the enormous amount of work preparing the students, with support from Acting Head of Performing Arts, Ms Sara Standring and a team of assistants. Also, Mr Ichiro Harada and his team of Year 11 choreographers for their work with the dancers, Mr Glen Mortensen and his sound and lighting crew and the Saint Kentigern College Parents and Friends for their support, providing the prizes. In particular, we would like to once again thank Kiri and our two guest judges for their time given so generously to support our students’ endeavours.

THIS YEAR’S JUDGES

Belinda Watt
Belinda is Head of Fashion and Sustainability at Whitecliffe College, where she and her colleagues have been pioneers in developing an innovative and leading Fashion and Sustainability programme. She has worked as a freelance fashion designer in Wellington and Auckland, as well as owned her own men’s and women’s label, Equinox. Her current creative work has a focus on sustainable and ethical practices, including natural dyeing and hand weaving, as well as highly crafted garment designs. Belinda judged this year’s Art to Wear Awards at Botany Downs Secondary College as well as Saint Kentigern College and Edgewater College’s Wearable Arts Competitions in 2018. She was Head Judge for the Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Award, from 2015 – 2017, and a judge for the Sylvia Park Off-The Rack Fashion Awards. 

Liz Farr
Liz has been lecturing in the Fashion Design department of Whitecliffe College of Fashion and Sustainability since 2005.  She is a graduate of the London College of Fashion and specialises in pattern making and garment construction. Liz has worked as a patternmaker and sample room manager in the clothing industry in the UK as well as New Zealand, for couture and ready to wear designers including Zandra Rhodes, Adrienne Winkelmann.  Liz was a judge on the panel of the Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Award 2010-2017 and the Sylvia Park Off-The-Rack Fashion Awards.

Click here to view the gallery.