New York invitation 'game changer' for local designer

One of the creations which will feature in Hawke's Bay designer Tessa Paaymans' collection for the Conception Design Show at New York Fashion Week. Photo / Kevin Bridle

A Hawke's Bay designer has her sights on New York and one foot on the runway.

Just over a week ago Tessa Paaymans received an email that is set to change the path of her career - an invitation to show six unique outfits at New York Fashion Week.

Tessa Paaymans, 21, spent eight years working up to this moment and says the opportunity was more than she could have imagined.

"It's out of this world, I didn't know that it was part of the dream until it happened, I never thought, 'hey, my designs will be shown at New York Fashion Week'," she says.

The question "is this real" crossed her mind after opening the message from a talent scout, who had been flicking through a gallery of clothing on her personal website.

Working with organisers Ms Paaymans picked some outfits, including last year's Hastings Pak'nSave Edible Fashion Awards second-place winner "Animated Anime" - made entirely from pasta.

They will take to the catwalk at a Conception Design Show on September 12 - to an audience including industry professionals, press and buyers from all over the world.

She will be among the hustle, bustle and angst backstage fitting edgy, fashion-forward models.

"It is an unbelievable opportunity and I want to make the most of it."

A passion for designing clothing began with a supreme award-winning entry in the 2008 Edible Fashion Awards and "snowballed" from there.

"I was pretty amazed because it had just been a holiday project, from there I entered lots of competitions and did really well," Ms Paaymans said.

In 2012, she began a certificate in Fashion Apparel at Eastern Institute of Technology [EIT] - honing a variety of skills.

During that time, she made creations for the likes of Wellington's WOW, Hokonui and Edible Fashion Awards as well as garments for an end-of-year EIT showcase - before enrolling at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School to learn more about Costume Construction.

"A lot of my designs are weird and unusual - although I like fashion, costume design was really more my area - I know how to do both."

When Hastings Pak'nSave owner Brendon Smith heard about the New York opportunity he offered financial support in getting her designs there.

"It is fantastic to see some young talent emerging on the international scene," he said.

Ms Paaymans has no idea what the future will bring - but there's no denying this is a game changer.