Most of the designs on the runway at the Fashion Less Waste design competition were complete rubbish, which actually counted in their favour, because that was kind of the point really.

The Gaga-esque creation on the left (designed and modelled by Tess Tavener winner of the Secondary School category) was, in fact, a collection of synthetic wigs, woven together—complete with matching hair heels. Next to it,  the runner up in the Open category and winner of the best use of tarpaulin this side of a campsite.

Along with Akira Isogawa, Robert Carroll from Strand Hatters and Sinaed Kelly from Dinosaur Designs, I joined the ranks of the judges to pick the standouts among the 20 finalists. The OTT colour and texture is no co-incidence: the designs had to reflect the plumage of birds of paradise, reflecting the exhibition at Australian Museum which hosted the competition.

Between the pegs, non-slip mats, laundry baskets (which travelled all the way from Perth) and grain bags, the panel chose their favourites:

Open category winner: Stephanie Powell, Sydney
Runners-up: Katie Coogan-Mason and Maiki-Jane Blakeney (top right), Shoalhaven, NSW
Cody Winward, student from Institute of Design, Ulladulla, NSW
Best hat: Cody Winward

Secondary School category winner: Tess Tavener Hanks (top left), Cheltenham Girls High School, Sydney
Runners-up: Anna Henry, Nowra High School, Nowra, NSW
Mia McNeill and Christine Trinh, Kincoppal, Rose Bay, NSW
Best hat: Tess Tavener Hanks

Congratulations and thanks to all the gals who made the finals. Maybe next year we’ll see more lads get their design on: the budding Lagerfelds, Jacobs and Fords must be late developers.

For more images from FLW, CLICK HERE

 

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