KEY POINTS:
A garment inspired by the humble onion won an aspiring designer an internship with top Auckland fashion designer Karen Walker.
Twenty-two-year-old Sara Smeath, who had just finished her Bachelor of Design at Massey University, began her 12-week internship today. She will also travel with Walker to her New York fashion show in early February.
"The outfit I entered is inspired by onions and their layers -- a panelled knit top, fitted onion dress and onion sack coat. I love that when you peel one away there is something equally pretty underneath," Smeath said.
Smeath won the Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders in Fashion scholarship, chosen by Walker after a week's work experience over three other finalists.
The established designer said she chose Smeath for her "great skill of seeing idiosyncrasies in another entity and applying it to clothing."
"I look forward to working with her and seeing this quality flourish," Walker said.
- NZPA
