Judges in heaven at quality of wearable art entries

World of Wearable Art judges have found finalists from more than 300 of the highest quality entries show organisers have seen.

But the four judges - event director Suzie Moncrieff, Dubai-based fashion designer Mandi Kingsbury, film designer Gary Mackay and Nelson artist Sally Burton - eventually narrowed the field to the 146 creations that would grace the catwalk at the September 20-23 event.

Ms Moncrieff was thrilled with the calibre of this year's entries, which she said were of the highest standard since the show started in 1987.

She said it was also the first time entrants had fully grasped the show's concept.

"This year has seen my dream of Wearable Art realised. I'm so excited. The entire show is filled with what I've always dreamed of Wearable Art being. People have finally realised what it's about."

The creations were not only visually exciting but of an exceptionally high technical standard, she said.

"Gone are the days of a few plastic bags taped to a waist and a few Coca-Cola cans trailing behind."

Ms Moncrieff said the quality of this year's prizes, including $10,000 cash and a travel prize for the overall winner, had encouraged the designers to push themselves further than ever before.

Ms Burton, a fourth-time judge at the awards, said the entry standard was so high that some garments which might have been winners in previous years had barely made it as finalists this year.

Ms Kingsbury, a previous supreme award winner, said it was incredibly difficult selecting the finalists because all the garments were "unbelievable."

Entries, which came from New Zealand and overseas, were judged on strict criteria.

The ideas had to be good, designers had to achieve the concept they were aiming for and garments had to be well made.

The creation also had to look good on the catwalk and be able to be displayed in a gallery.

- NZPA