Another showstopper Edible Fashion Awards coming up

Hawke’s Bay’s Edible Fashion Awards will hit the stage at Toitoi on September 3, but the finalist designs featured in the spectacular public show are only the tip of the iceberg.

There is no question that Edible is a showstopper, continuing to attract a loyal local audience and beginning to make ripples beyond Hawke’s Bay. But while the adult and senior designs are often the most awe-inspiring, event director Kelie Jensen says it is the potential to inspire young people taking part that gives the event its heart.

“Every year we have new schools participating. For the designers, being exposed to the overall concept and sharing in the experience on stage is incredibly exciting and rewarding. Younger entrants are often in awe of the ingenuity they see in the senior designs and that experience can plant a seed,” Kelie says.  

It’s this potential that spurred the creation of an Edible ‘Designers in Schools’ programme. The programme currently has three designers working across 13 Hawke’s Bay schools and earlier this year Kelie brought together a group of experienced designers to brainstorm its future development. “Much of that work will not see light until later this year, but the potential is incredibly exciting,” Kelie says.

“We have designers on board who are at the pinnacle – three are past Edible Supreme Award winners and others, such as Kate MacKenzie and Wellington-based Fifi Colston have judged the event. Several have had great success on the World of WearableArt (WOW) stage. These are cutting-edge, celebrated Aotearoa designers, many living here in Hawke’s Bay, working directly with our young people. It’s truly a wonderful opportunity.”

Dazz Woodward won the Supreme Award in 2016 with her inaugural entry Bride of the Black Knight.  Dazz has entered every year since, but this year she’s focusing 100 per cent of her creative energy on working with tamariki at Peterhead School and Te Kura o Pakipaki.

Every week she brings not only her creative skills and experience, but also her energy, sense of humour and zest for life into the classroom. The kids love ‘Nanny Dazz’ and Dazz is adamant she gets as much out of the experience as she gives – it’s a win-win.

Finalist designs from designers aged five to adult, will be showcased at the 2021 Edible Fashion Awards on Friday, September 3. Tickets went on sale from the end of July – in person from the Toitoi Box Office, online at www.toitoivenues.co.nz, or phone Ticketek on 0800 842 538.

For more information visit www.ediblefashionawards.co.nz

28 July 2021

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