On Display

(with designer Laurel Judd)

On Display

Entry #9.

‘TOMBOY UNLEASHED’
Designer: Janet Stuart of New Plymouth

The outfit depicts the young teenager who is still a bit of a tomboy at heart, but working towards the female sophistication of adult life.
Wrapped up warm but ready to party.
Knitted in Caramel Alpaca, the vest and beanie are padded. The arm-warmers are plaited with a very fine elastic thread. The short skirt is merino, knitted and felted. The top is a one-shoulder design in which the shoulder is extended into a scarf which drapes across the front neck and over the right shoulder.
A tuck edging starts and finishes the garment.
Knitted in a delightful Tangerine shade of Grigna. Earrings to tone with the Tangerine top and to emphasize the teenage individuality.

(with designer Janet Stuart)

On Display

First three entries

‘AUTUMN SPLENDOUR’
Designer: Tony Bennett of Perth

The basis for the 3 pieces in this outfit is the use of the autumn tones of red, gold, yellow and orange used to replicate the shades of the season.
As the piece moves so do the ‘leaves’, emulating them fluttering and falling to the forest floor creating a colourful carpet in the chill autumn breezes.
The base knit is 2 ends of Yeoman fine acrylic crepe that have been plaited one onto the other.
An Italian variegated straw viscose has been used to knit the ‘leaves’ - approximately 100. These are based on the ‘half hour wrap’ concept and are knitted from point to point using partial knitting/holding position at an exaggerated tension. Knitting them in this fashion produced a more fluid texture in the knit allowing for the striking movement so reminiscent of autumn leaves floating and fluttering to the ground. The leaves are hand sewn onto the skirt and finished with gold bead drops.
The halter-top, although simple in concept and design, has been highlighted by incorporating a number of different variations of wrapping techniques using a 4 ply gold lurex to bring a touch of the visually exotic into play. The seams of the 3/4 trousers and the skirt have also been wrapped in similar ways to balance this overall concept. The outer edge has a linked figure 8 wrap in the gold fingering.
Although the outfit makes quite an initial entrance, it’s the versatility of the skirt that takes it to a whole new level, with armholes hidden in the side seams, by simply undoing the embroidered sash at the waist it can double as an opera cape bringing a new ‘WOW’ factor into play.
This outfit is designed as red carpet dressing with that funky knit edge.

(backstage)

(more views)

Entry #8.

‘K. I. S. S.’
Designers: Robyn and Rex Parker of Tauranga

K.I.S.S. equals ‘Knitting in Simple Styles’
This outfit is a simplistic expression of how we see the ‘every day fashion’ of the day.
The top is knitted with 2 strands of black cotton and 2 strands of gold lurex. It is knitted with the summer in mind, with a round neck and sleeveless to remain cool in the heat of summer. The added features are all crocheted out of gold fingering and beaded before placing on the garment.
The skirt is also knitted in 2 strands of black cotton, but this time gold feature panels have 3 strands of gold lurex knitted with the black cotton.

(backstage)

(with designers Rex & Robyn Parker)

Peoples' Choice:

Other Entries:

"A Touch of Glitz"
(Bev Vellenoweth)

"Demi More"
(Laurel Judd)

"Berry la Ruche"
(Carol Watson)

"Frilled to Thrill"
(Laurel Judd)

‘LA PETITE CHARTREUSE’
Designer: Tony Bennett of Perth

The origins are French - the colour is unique - the style is oh so chic’.
This is an ensemble that will take you to the opening of a gallery or to a 'grande’ dinner. While the fluidity of the vintage liqueur is echoed in the rippling folds to the skirt and bolero jacket, the addition of beads and sequins provides diffusions of light that are so evocative of things exotic and glamorous.

To create maximum shimmer, 2 ends of lurex were plaited onto the purl side of the knit for this sleek evening gown and matching bolero style jacket. The hemline of the bodice of the gown has been angled from front to back to accentuate the effect so that when the fishtail skirt was attached it allowed clearance at the front for ease of movement while creating a slight train effect at the back. The fishtail was made using holding position resulting in the lower edge measuring over 4.5 metres. A hem, which had been stiffened, was added to this outer edge. This reinforcing was designed to force this lower edge out thus giving more definition at the hemline. The front opening of the fishtail has been beaded giving a heightened visual extension to the overall effect of the outfit. The bodice of the gown was hand beaded. The keyhole opening and armhole edges were wrapped as the piece was knitted to eliminate curl or the need for a heavier edge.

The cropped jacket (which is almost an accessory) also uses the purl side as the right side but bead droplets have been knitted/wrapped in at regular intervals to give it a more stylish evening appeal. To balance the effect of the fishtail on the gown a trim was knitted using partial knitting and attached to all the edges of the jacket, allowing it to fall and fold down the front giving a soft feminine feel. A reinforced stand up collar at the back gives a slightly more formal feel to the jacket.

The aim with this item was to produce a sleek and stylish outfit that could take you to an opening night but that still exuded that basic vintage feel of style and glamour.. Endeavouring to draw on timeless design aspects but still giving the whole a new and exciting twist that is so uniquely knit.

Other entries:

("A Touch of Glitz")



(Demi More")
 

("Berry la Ruche")