Designers excited to return to Southland

The judge’s panel for the 2010 Hokonui Fashion Awards has been finalised and Auckland designers Theresa Brady of Doosh and Sable & Minx and Adrian Hailwood are both returning to Southland for their second turn seeing what this years entrants have to offer.

This year, Brady definitely has had her work cut out for her. As general manager and designer for design house Urban Creative, she is the creative mind behind two fashion labels, and is about to add another.

The elder of the two brands, Doosh, has been on the New Zealand fashion scene for 15 years and is renowned for its cutting edge street wear. In 2007, Theresa added Sable & Minx to her portfolio, which has rapidly become one of the most successful boutique labels in the country. For winter 2011, she will introduce New Zealand to Brady, an indie label inspired by alternative music and vintage clothing.

In fact, Theresa credits music and art movements as the inspiration behind her designs. “Art, music and fashion go hand-in-hand,” she says. "Together they create an amazing sense of style that is always original, pushing the boundaries with fresh ideas and looks."

"I always put myself in the mindset of who I am designing for at the time, what they would enjoy wearing, what would inspire them. I try to visualise the lifestyle/concept that goes with each range and season so I connect to the person it is for," Theresa says.

She is the first to admit that fashion is always a gamble – but she's learnt to trust her instincts – and hopes that entrants in this year’s event do the same. “I loved seeing what entrants came up with last year, and cannot wait to see what this year’s crop has to offer,” she says. She loved the awards so much in fact, that this year’s crew will be wearing Sable & Minx tops, while Doosh has sponsored a category at the event.

In fact, Theresa credits music and art movements as the inspiration behind her designs. “Art, music and fashion go hand-in-hand,” she says. “Together they create an amazing sense of style that is always original, pushing the boundaries with fresh ideas and looks.”

“I always put myself in the mindset of who I am designing for at the time, what they would enjoy wearing, what would inspire them. I try to visualise the lifestyle/concept that goes with each range and season so I connect to the person it is for,” Theresa says.

She is the first to admit that fashion is always a gamble - but she’s learnt to trust her instincts - and hopes that entrants in this year’s event do the same. “I loved seeing what entrants came up with last year, and cannot wait to see what this year’s crop has to offer,” she says. She loved the awards so much in fact, that this year’s crew will be wearing Sable & Minx tops, while Doosh has sponsored the Collections category at the event.

The Award’s convenor Heather Paterson said, “The Collections category has had a huge number of entries again this year, it is very popular.”

Adrian Hailwood was a judge six years ago at the awards and is delighted to back this year. He thinks the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards are vital in supporting young talent. “I am keen to see if the level of creativity is still fresh and alive as it was when I was there last,” he says.