Miromoda Maori Fashion supreme winner Kharl-William Wirepa (above, right) whipping up a dress in minutes using pins and an entire roll of fabric for friend Kaitlyn Roberts. Photo/Stephen Parker
Miromoda Maori Fashion supreme winner Kharl-William Wirepa (above, right) whipping up a dress in minutes using pins and an entire roll of fabric for friend Kaitlyn Roberts. Photo/Stephen Parker
What has been inspired by the people of Rotorua is soon to be seen on the catwalks of New Zealand Fashion Week.
Waiariki Institute of Technology fashion design student Kharl-William Wirepa was named the Supreme Award winner of Miromoda Maori Fashion Design Competition in Wellington on Saturday.
The 22-year-old also won the emerging designer category before being judged by New Zealand Fashion Week founder Dame Pieter Stewart as the top designer on the night. He will showcase his work at the nation's fashion week in August.
Image 1 of 3: 240614sp2 Fashion designer Kharl Wirepa 24 June 2014 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker
Mr Wirepa said he was still coming to terms with the win.
"I was in shock when they read my name, I didn't even feel anything I just stood and shook everyone's hands. It still hasn't sunk in," he said.
The second-year design student won with his six-piece collection of evening wear called, "The Art of Fame". He used fabrics such as silk, satin, velvet and fur.
"I was inspired by all of the fabulous people here in Rotorua. We have singers like Sir Howard Morrison, Elizabeth Marvelly, [designers] Leilani Rickard and Adrienne Whitewood ... I've loved fashion since the day I was born. I've been brought up in an very artistic home."
Waiariki fashion tutor Julia Cass-Janes said they were proud of Mr Wirepa's achievement.
" ... we encourage all our students to enter competitions, especially our second-year students and Kharl definitely has the x-factor. He spends quite a bit of out-of-class time looking at the brief and his designs and styling - he's very dedicated."
Co-founder of Miromoda Maori Fashion Week Ata Te Kanawa said Dame Pieter thought Mr Wirepa was a talented designer but was also a talented stylist, which made him a stand-out.
Ms Whitewood won the established designer award in the competition which also featured work by fellow local designer Mereana Ngatai.
