Supreme Winner + Cultural Fashion: Arvin Rafiee

This design is a contemporary couture interpretation of Middle Eastern dress that celebrates femininity, inspired by the region's rich history, intricate geometrics and patterns, and draped textiles. Drawing from historical Middle Eastern influences, this design reimagines traditional forms through a modern lens. Soft layers of fabric evoke elegance, while sculpted gold corsetry symbolises resilience and power paired with visual historic images, which make up the corset. Through rich textures, ornate detailing, and a balance of concealment and revelation, this piece honours Middle Eastern aesthetics while offering a contemporary vision of cultural pride, self expression, and feminine strength.

Cultural Fashion: Abby Birks

This piece was inspired by Japanese origami, with butterflies covering the dress. The white fabric imitates the folds of paper, as origami holds a strong connection to Japanese culture, which is why the butterflies are the focus of the design. It draws on other cultural references through the use of sashiko stitching around and throughout the dress, reminiscent of a breeze flowing through a swarm of butterflies. The base of the dress is denim, which is prevalent in Japanese fashion due to the country's strong indigo and denim industry. The reversible belt creates a lighter contrast against the dark denim. Together, these elements showcase different aspects of Japanese culture, resulting in a striking and cohesive piece. 

Avant-Garde: Brooke Donald

My garment, Stung by Society, challenges society's 'norm' of fashion by its bold silhouette shape of the emphasised hip proportions and the strong asymmetrical shoulder, featuring on the left side. These elements purposefully go against the traditional fashion ideas of more balanced sculptures and the praise of smaller, more delicate shoulders. The garment also has the unique hexagon, honeycomb pattern incorporated, revealed through 7 eye-shaped openings in the skirt that have intentionally frayed edges, giving contrast across the design between the ideas of neat and tidy and a more free, no disruption idea. I used only two main colours of a gold/yellow and black washed denim, to make the honeycomb colour have a more significant effect. 

High Fashion: Halle McPherson

True high fashion isn't just about looking pretty; it’s about exceptional, couture-level craftsmanship. Custom-tailored to exact measurements over multiple fittings and construction taking six months, the dress is a display of my dedication to my craft. It is constructed from a single continuous piece of lightweight, pleated georgette with a red tartan pattern printed on top, so when the pleats expand, you see the white in between. Because this fabric was incredibly volatile and constantly moved against itself, shaping the silhouette required individually sewing each pleat to a cotton voile backing and integrating precise darts without ever interrupting the strict grid of the printed tartan. Complete with a simple invisible zipper at the back, this design balances proficient technical skill with comfortable wearability; the garment firmly secures its place in the high fashion category. 

Streetwear: Moon Nguyen

My design is all about creating streetwear that makes people feel confident, cool, and like the main character. I wanted to take everyday clothes that would've been thrown away and turn them into something bold and unique. The oversized jacket and bottoms combine upcycled denim, leather, and old T-shirts with distressed details, patchwork, and hand-finished techniques to give them that messy but stylish look I love. They're made for dancers, so they're comfortable enough to move in but also cool enough to wear straight to the club. My design mixes street style with sustainability, showing that upcycled fashion doesn't have to look boring. It can be bold, expressive, and full of personality while giving old clothes a whole new life. 

Enchanted Earth: Katya Korchagina

Inspired by the invisible but vastly important cycle of decomposition, my design represents all the hidden processes that go on just below the surface. All second hand and hand dyed fabrics, with an overall 19th century theme, the brown jacket and the hat represent the soil and the earth. The jacket will be embroidered in circles, resembling the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua. The red accents around the buttons like the animals that lay at rest. Ruffled and layered under the jacket, a white textured blouse with a skirt to match. This was inspired by mushrooms and their spores, each different texture, spread underground, working their way through the soil and breaking down old life. The wrapped legs are a symbol to remind us that we are a part of this system, like old bandaged mummies or the recently deceased. This cycle consumes everything but it's the backbone for new beginnings. 

Enchanted Earth: Celeste Thomson

With the natural, sustainable, and creative aspects of this category, I have decided to create asymmetrical wide-leg pants paired with an asymmetrical button-up shirt. Featuring techniques such as machine and hand embroidery, couching, appliqué, ruffles, and smocking, the designs draw inspiration from elements of flora, marine life, and space. A colour palette of blues and greens connects back to the Earth and how these elements come together to create our planet. In addition, the garment embraces regenerative fashion through sustainable practices, modular features such as detachable sleeves for an alternative look, and biodegradability. Using recycled fabrics from bedsheets and second-hand materials, the garment will be made from 100% cotton, with all dyes created from natural materials. I will be avoiding metal closures and instead using handmade clay buttons. Furthermore, I will use cotton thread despite its fragility, incorporating different techniques to ensure the garment's longevity. 

Honourable Mentions

Waihuia Thein: Technical Skills in Traditional Practise

Eva Makarova-Paton: High Fashion Design 

Phoebe Willis: Use of Non-Traditional Material

Emmie Speedy: Sustainability

Other Mentions

Minka Parker: Masterful construction & exceptional craft in embellishment

Tia Billinghurst: Masterful use of non-traditional materials in fashion design

Taya Gagen-Torn: Creative approach to garment construction and excellent use of craft materials

Cypres Leslie: Strong concept & considered design in subculture expression

Ava Simpkins-Simmonds: Creative Historic Elegance in Design

Supreme Winner + High Fashion: Minka Parker

"My design is an elegant corset dress with reversed pin tucks and hand-beaded embroidery, inspired by the Virgin Mary. Though not religious, I was drawn to her symbolism growing up in the Catholic Church. Mary represents feminine power and creation, yet is often undervalued—mirroring how society treats women today. The Sacred Heart embroidery highlights women's divinity, while the veil and its rose-and-cross motifs reflect the tension between societal expectations and personal beliefs. The rib-like pin tucks remind us that women are human, not just vessels, and the recurring rose pattern symbolizes strength and beauty despite judgment."

Streetwear: Maia Rambisheswar

"Denim’s timelessness lies in its adaptability—from workwear in the 1920s to fashion staples like bell bottoms and skirts across decades. My dress began as second-hand jeans worn by women nationwide, and I preserved their authenticity by incorporating pockets, labels, waistbands, and stitching. By repurposing these elements, I gave old denim new life in a chic, casual dress designed to be re-worn and never go out of style."

Streetwear: Lexie Lochhead

"I designed this streetwear piece to reflect a future where fashion is both a solution and a statement. Made from upcycled garments, it turns waste into resource, with built-in storage replacing accessories. Its layered, androgynous silhouette offers freedom of movement, climate adaptability, and modesty—perfect for all bodies, including hijabis. Durable and raw, it challenges fast fashion with a conscious, inclusive alternative that proves style doesn’t have to compromise sustainability or cultural sensitivity. Through this design, I’m not just creating clothing—I’m helping reimagine the world we wear."

Cultural Fashion: Riti Chand

"My outfit is a personal expression of my Fijian-Indian heritage and my love for storytelling through fashion. I’ve designed a reversible lehenga that blends South Asian tradition with Pacifica influence. One side features box pleats with appliquéd masi flowers and Indian-inspired borders, while the other showcases tapa-printed pleats for a more cultural aesthetic. The corset-style bodice is structured with boning channels and covered in tapa fabric, accented by 3D masi flowers and coconut shell beads. A repurposed dupatta completes the look, making this garment a meaningful celebration of identity, sustainability, and creativity."

Avant Garde: Christine Woite

"This dress and accessory exemplify Avant-Garde fashion through their striking concept and artistic execution. Inspired by the cycle of humanity's rise and fall, the design reflects the destruction of Earth and the return of life to nature. Draping mimics the spine, while mushroom-like elements emerge from the form, symbolizing decay and regeneration. The piece transforms this narrative into wearable art, challenging conventional beauty and celebrating the eerie elegance of transformation."

Timelessness: Halle McPherson

"This design reimagines timelessness as the endurance of an idea, not just a classic look. Inspired by the "lionheart" archetype, it blends the elegance of a fencer with the strength of medieval armor. A slim, double-breasted denim jacket and tapered jeans feature articulated panels at joints, echoing protective gear. Red topstitching and scarlet accessories give the modern knight a bold identity, merging tradition with contemporary style."

Honourable Mentions

Reign Cooper: Shares a culturally expressive design representing Samoan identity and a personal connection to jellyfish, aiming to challenge judgments based on appearance and convey gentle symbolism.

Fischl Wang: presents a street‑fashion outfit inspired by Japanese Lolita style, a collared sleeveless shirt with a pleated lace skirt, balancing elegance, modesty, and comfort through thoughtful silhouette and detailing.

Sara Yao: positions her ocean‑inspired design within the theme of timelessness, using classic silhouettes, pearls, and liquid organza to represent the enduring significance of water, drawing influence from several couture designers.

Brian Li: describes an asymmetrical wool coat inspired by Ann Demeulemeester, emphasizing sculptural structure, premium fabrics, minimalism, and individuality.

Stand Out Designs

Liana Dove: Creative Use of Materials

Brenna Easthope-Gay: Strong Conceptual Design

Anahera Boyd: Craftsmanship High Standard of Fabric Embellishment

Bree Pennington: Attention to Detail

Aimee Ulugia: Craftsmanship High Standard of Material Application

Manni Liu: Contemporary Street Look Effective use of Upcycled Materials

Leanne Lee: Creative Approach to Textile Design

Supreme Winner 2024/Throwback Fashion: Halle McPherson

"I’ve designed a kilt and jacket inspired by the punk movement of the ‘70s. Kilts and tartan were worn at the time as a reference to Scottish rebels, so I created my kilt sewing pattern after my own family kilt. The punk movement was all about pushing against fashion norms of the previous generation. An example of this would be a tailored versus a baggier silhouette, like seen in my jacket design. Punk fashion was also very utilitarian and often included lots of industrial aspects like zips, studs, and D-rings. The straps of my jacket design create the illusion of a straitjacket, which combined with the industrial elements shock the observer. My jacket sends a statement of being restrained by mainstream fashion, at a time where fast fashion is the norm. Within the punk movement, clothes are used to protest and show individuality, which I believe I have successfully achieved."

High Fashion: Emma Thompson

"My design is an elegant two piece set with a flowing maxi skirt complimenting the structured corset, made and designed from block instructions. The pearl bodice that wraps around the top of the dress adds an element of class and elegance whilst still remaining unique and sophisticated. This high fashion garment perfect for the red carpet, would be best suited to glamourous events."

Pictured: Emma holds a frame of this beautiful design, sadly lost in a fire a week prior to the awards event.

Avant Garde: Sara Yao

"This Avant-Garde design is innovative and experimental—while also being aesthetically pleasing. It displays an aquatic perennial: the lotus flower, along with glass beads dripping down in a water-droplet-like way onto a soft plush leaf. It is designed in a juxtaposing manner with a 3D lotus on the torso instead of 2D, and the dome shape of the base dress. There are unconventional shapes incorporated, which when the elements all come together, creates a smooth flowing silhouette. My design tells a narrative and showcases a tranquil moment frozen in time. The blend between the two contrasting ideas of nature being conceptualised into modernity, constructs a dystopian feel which further contributes it to the category of Avant-Garde."

Streetwear: Freya Mercer-Moehammad

"My design is a nightlife-intended outfit created for anyone with an alternative edge wanting to hit the town on a night out. My first garment, a pleather trench coat, is both sophisticatedly stylish while still emitting a gritty, dark nature within; made with animal-friendly pleather opposed to leather for those wishing to remain proactive against the environmental impacts of animal cruelty. My second garment is a short lace dress. Alluring yet comfortable, this piece uses a soft, gothic lace fabric with empire-styled thicker layers over the breasts for modesty. The semi-see-through style of this dress ensures wearers are both able to confidently show off their shape while still maintaining an air of mystery and protection. Put together, these garments form a cohesive dark-inspired outfit perfect for the streetwear’s night style while also maintaining the core of what streetwear is all about; looking good while feeling comfortable."

Cultural: Toetujoetina Lilo

"My design uses siapo, a cloth from mulberry bark, and the traditional Samoan fala (mat). Rooted in my Samoan heritage, it also incorporates repurposed clothing for sustainability. Inspired by Nafanua, the Samoan goddess of war, this garment represents her strength and fierceness, embodying the spirit of the Samoan women who raised me. It reimagines her war attire, known as kipuka blending traditional and modern elements."

Supreme Winner 2023/Streetwear: Tobias Beaumont

"In my mind streetwear is about re-interpreting the use of clothing... Whether that be through textiles proportion, or gender stereotypes, streetwear is about interpreting clothing in your own way. I have created a garment using styles and sewing techniques typically used on womenswear and created a man’s garment. Drawing inspiration from both trendy street fashion and elegant evening wear to create this unique garment that challenge norms of streetwear fashion" 

High Fashion: Minka Parker

"This high fashion design is intended to capture the essence of girlhood with a sense of elegance. It contains elements of spring but also displays freedom and joy through the light colours and pattern of the dress. The use of flowers in the detail represent femininity"

Sustainability: Dvon Ratima

"Striving for a completely sustainable garment, my design in constructed using ONLY previously worn clothing. These garments are pieces that have come from my family’s wardrobes, worn items that are now too small, ripped or broken in some way. Resources spent constructing this garment come to a grand total of zero dollars"

Open Design: Nikita Lee

"I have created a garment that is flexible in its design concept, dressed-up for high fashion or dressed down for urban beach wear. I strongly believe in sustainable fashion, and have only used repurposed fabrics. I am greatly influenced by designers like Alexander McQueen (especially his iconic Oyster dress) and Vivienne Westwood. My final design will draw on inspiration from the free-flowing forms of mermaids. I hope to further develop this concept and create a bold linear statement with whimsical and fairytale undertones, evoking the magical moment when the 'little mermaid' transforms into sea foam"

We're Talking, Are You Listening: Amelia Smith

"I’ve used the idea of pushing boundaries when it comes to concepts that previously were male or female dominated to create a garment that can be considered as gender fluid. My design consists of a skirt and a cropped button up top. The skirt combines the ‘masculine’ trait of tailoring with the ‘feminine’ style of the skirt, and the top has words printed all into the fabric. Words such as SEXUALITY and UNIQUE. Words that relate to my issue and inspire people to wear who they think they are without judgement from society"

Best Model: Briana Budileanu

Briana designed and modelled her garment. "I’ve made my dress with glamorous, shiny satin, as it drapes beautifully, hugging and accentuating the figure. With a regal hue, the purple tones evoke a sense of majesty and mystery and gives off an air of sophistication. Its delicate drapery cascades gracefully around the wearer's form, bestowing elegance and luxury"