Fashion designer hunts down top award

Third-year Welllington fashion design student Candice Fulton, 20, has triumphed in two separate categories of the Hokonui Fashion Awards.

Her competition entry Deer-Forestation, designed in recognition of animals killed in the clearing of land and by hunters, proved a hit with judges at the annual awards presented in Gore recently. The competition attracted entries from Australia, India and throughout New Zealand.

Ms Fulton’s wins in the avant garde section as well as being named young designer in the under-21 section earned her a $3000 cash prize and tickets to Air New Zealand Fashion Week in Auckland next month.

“I’m overwhelmed and overjoyed,” Ms Fulton says. "It’s a huge opportunity; I never expected this."

She subtitled her design Betsy, a mature female creature that is part deer-part human. It features a faux suede mini jump suit adorned with rosettes made from pre-existing flannelette shirts and recycled lacy blouses torn into ruffles to reflect both the role of the deer and the rural farm holder in the theme of her work.

“I have won prizes back in my school days for textile designs and wearable arts but never imagined anything like this,” says Ms Fulton, who went to Napier Girls’ High School.

Fashion design lecturer Sue Prescott says Ms Fulton had talent, worked hard and met her deadlines. "She is the prime example of the three mixed together. I'm delighted for her."

Other Massey place-getters included Anna von Hartitzsch who was runner up in the avant-garde section while fourth year textile student Rose Maria Loto was awarded a merit in the nightlife section.