The Hokonui Fashion Awards have been in existence since 1988 and they have become established as a key event on the national fashion calendar.

The awards attract entries from throughout New Zealand and are a competitive platform for amateur and aspiring designers to have their garments presented in a public way and to have them critiqued by a high profile judging team. This year the awards celebrated their 30th year, making them the longest running fashion design awards of their type in New Zealand.  The illustrious judging team consisted of Francis Hooper of WORLD, Massey University Fashion Department Head Sue Prescott, Auckland-based designer Luke Bettesworth and New Zealand Fashion Museum Director Doris de Pont.

Hagley School of Fashion has been very successful this year with 5 of the 10 entries gaining an award. Selection into the competition is not automatic, so we are very proud to have had 10 entries get through the preliminary judging.

Of the 5 awards, the top award went to first-time designer Abed Ghandour, who won the prestigious streetwear award with his three-piece outfit.

Abed painted, screen printed, and embroidered his garment to send a reflective message.

Katherine Edyvean was second in this section with a white wool coat with a sculptural collar detail.

Reubin Caldwell was second in the retro section with his take on the zoot suit.

Cindy Weiss was awarded third place for her three-piece men’s suit in the nightlife section, and Florence Ye was awarded a merit award for her three-piece streetwear entry.

All of these students entered the open section of the competition and were competing against tertiary students, graduates and private designers.

An extraordinary effort by all.