Farming and Fashion Unite

Entries are now being accepted for the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays Ag Art Wear competition. Designers of all skill levels are invited to create a piece of wearable art from materials sourced or used on the farm. The challenge is to be resourceful with materials while ensuring the garment is fashion forward. Every year, submissions get more original and innovative as designers produce outfits that challenge the way we relate fashion and farming.

There are now four categories designers can enter: Landcare Awareness, Designer Traditional, Under 21 and the leading section; Avant Garde. The Avant Garde section should inspire artists to search for the unconventional answer of farming fashion. The Under 21 category is also encouraged to push the boundaries on predictable design and create an abstract piece. Alternatively, the Designer section observes the traditional approach to fashion, where outfits exhibited could be worn everyday. Landcare Awareness; a new category for 2010, challenges designers to explore the environmental conscience of land based farming. The creations should utilise natural fibers found on the New Zealand landscape and must have a strong supporting story regarding the Landcare Awareness theme.

To capture the imaginative nature of Ag Art Wear, the showcase of the garments should reflect the inspirational creativity of the competition. Therefore, 2010 will mark the launch of a unique Ag Art Wear theatrical experience, parading entries to their full potential amidst a visual feast of dance and performance.

The competition is fierce with $13,000 in cash prizes. Not only are the cash awards a draw card for designers, the significant exposure gained through the competition is also attractive. Thanks to the popularity of Ag Art Wear, the publicity of the competition is reaches audiences beyond the typical Fieldays visitor. The creative challenge is then a great platform for designers to be recognised and launch their interest in the fashion field.

Ag Art Wear is proudly supported by; NZ Landcare Trust, HRV, Snapshot Cameras, Event Lighting LTD, Classic Hits, The Make Up Studio and 4 Seasons. For more information about the Ag Art Wear competition please visit the Fieldays website, www.fieldays.co.nz. Submissions close 30 April, 2010, earlier than previous years.

The Ag Art Wear show will take place in the Spantech Pavilion from 11am and 2pm daily throughout National Agricultural Fieldays 16 to 19 June 2010. For further information regarding the competition contact Gemma Antoniadis on 07 843 4499 or email gemmaa@fieldays.co.nz.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays will be held 16 to 19 June, 2010 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, ten minutes south of Hamilton. Fieldays is proudly supported by strategic partners; The National Bank and the University of Waikato.