RISING TALENT: Rotorua's Annabelle Beattie (left), 18, and model Nadia Elers, 14, are involved in this week's CreationFest. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 180714SP50
Rotorua's Annabelle Beattie is hoping CreationFest will help kickstart her career in fashion.
The 18-year-old Waiariki Institute of Technology fashion student is one of more than 30 designers whose wearable garments feature in this week's CreationFest.
The festival, which has been running since Tuesday, builds on the former Wearable Creationz event, and features dozens of dancers, singers and a series of colourful, wearable works of art.
Annabelle said she was thrilled to show off her garment to audiences of hundreds.
"It's really cool, to be part of such an amazing event, with so much talent on show and so many expressions of creativity, it's an amazing feeling," she said. She hoped being involved in the event would help her get the exposure she needed to become a fashion designer, her "dream job".
Her design, called Phoenix Rising, took about three weeks to construct out of recycled clothes, satin, feathers and leather. The inspiration behind her design was the mythical, colourful phoenix.
"I was inspired by the idea of the cycles of regeneration, and how when someone dies, they leave a legacy behind and continue to inspire others. A phoenix kind of represents that I think," she said.
Annabelle had been blown away by the designs that featured in the show, and by the time and effort people put into making them.
"Some of the garments are just amazing. It's a thrill to know that my design is presented alongside some of these incredible creations."
The model who wore her garment down the runway, Nadia Elers, said she was excited to be a part of her first wearable arts show.
"I've never done anything like this before, but I'm always keen to try new things."
On Friday night more than 400 people turned out for the show at the Blue Baths, where people were greeted by busking performers in an array of colours.
About 100 people were involved in the show, onstage and backstage, with some only 6 years old.
Saturday night marks the last show of the festival, which will also features an award ceremony.
See Monday's Rotorua Daily Post for full coverage, a list of winners and more photos from the event.
For more information visit www.creationfest.co.nz
Rotorua Daily Post People's Choice Award category winners:
Home & Heritage
Rope by designer Anneliese Theron
Metal Mania
Aluminium Aristocrat by designer Trish Strongman
Natural New Zealand
Hay Fever by designer Katarina Mau Thompson
Moving Parts
Legacy by designer Ross Dunn
Sweet Dreams
Facetted Generation by designers Charlotte Hazlett & Samantha Moore
Film Category
The Tour Musical from Okay Productions
Works were paused in February during Environment Court proceedings.
