Fresh fashion talent stage sell-out Tannery show

November’s always a big month for fashion in Canterbury with Cup and Show week outfits making all the front pages.

But if you wanted to have a handle on up-and-coming fashion trends and talent, the entirely ākonga (student)-devised, and ākonga-run Prospect Fashion show was clearly the hot ticket event.

Featuring looks from first, second- and third-year Ara | Te Pūkenga Bachelor of Design (Fashion Technology) ākonga, the last Thursday night showcase at the fashionable Tannery atrium was a sell-out.

Lead organiser Mila Litten said the unique event had no creative limits, with looks inspired by everything from landscapes, heritage and emotions to power suits and Bratz dolls.

“This is a show that really tells a story of diversity and how everyone has their own thing or their own niche,” Litten said. “Industry exposure during study can make you take stock of your process and think about making your looks more wearable or more commercial. But it also makes you appreciate again the freedom of expression you have as a student. You can simply drape something on a form and see what you come up with.”

The show featured 33 students in all, and Litten was thrilled the event—now in its second year—was being held at the Tannery.

“It’s a big step up for us from last year. The architecture is so cool, and it was amazing in the summer evening light. Having a long runway was great too so everyone could see the details up close.”

Some of the looks on that runway have already attracted national acclaim this year. Sarah Leung, Morgan Ariki Bradshaw, Oliver Schefer and Aksorn (Pear) Krisnangkura who were recognised at the Hokonui Fashion Awards all featured.

Models were scouted through the Portfolio agency and social media. Many are simply friends of students or friends of friends, with the show a chance for those keen to get into modelling or study fashion to see behind the scenes.

Litten said the event had also drawn on wider creative talents from across Ara | Te Pūkenga.

“Once again our videographer is a former Ara student, third-year photography students were doing some photos on the night and the poster was designed third-year Visual Communication student Millie Crossland and illustrated by the talented Haydn Nixon as well.”

While tutors were in the audience offering support and doubt applause, the slick show was entirely a student creation.

‘’It’s exciting for us to be able to do it ourselves. And with representatives from first and second years in the organising team, hopefully there’s a blueprint in place for future events.”

That would be a fitting legacy for this fashion forward student.