Newcomer Sandra Dick working out how the materials on her dining table will become an outfit.
Recycling is a key element of wearable arts with polystyrene the main component in one of Lianne Maric’s designs.
Sharleen Greer is a wearable arts veteran and will return for the hospice show.
A former entrant in the World of Wearable Art (WOW) show, Sharleen Greer, will be one of many talented designers who showcase works at Catwalk Arts this month.
The Whangateau resident helped set up the original wearable arts event before it was discontinued in 2011, only to be reinstated this year in partnership with Mahurangi College.
In 2009, her Barbie themed outfit, aligned with her 50th birthday and Barbie’s 50th anniversary, was modelled at the WOW event in Wellington.
“It was a real buzz to see my own design being shown off on the catwalk,” Sharleen says.
She will feature two outfits and several accessories in this month’s show, with one inspired by her daughter’s involvement with CanTeen NZ, the youth cancer organisation.
“Rose came home with a whole box of Canteen bandanas and I like to recycle goods so I decided to make an outfit with them.
“I like to have a story behind an outfit, too, so a three-year-old girl who has just completed successful treatment will wear the costume.”
Sharleen’s other design highlights the upcoming opening of the Warkworth/Wellsford Hospice Tui House, with the dress made from aluminium Tui can tabs crocheted together.
“The owner of the Matakana Four Square collected cans so when he heard me talking about the idea in the store he offered them to me.”
Sharleen will also be displaying winning bra designs from previous wearable arts events, along with some from Jane Boesley.
Another designer returning to Catwalk Arts will be Lianne Maric with two designs.
The Matakana resident first entered in 2011 and was disappointed to see the event finish.
“I wanted the opportunity to put something else in so I am excited to have Catwalk Arts return to Warkworth,” Lianne says.
One of her works is a dress that has been formed using polystyrene, normally disposed of at her workplace Kowhai Surgery.
“When I make outfits, the reality is always very different from the original design in my head. I don’t have any particular skills, but I’m good at adapting my costume to work which, is all part of the process.”
She says some designs can take days to complete in what she calls a “frustratingly fun” process.
One designer who is hoping to finish two outfits in two days is Sandra Dick, of Warkworth.
She will compete in her first wearable arts event in the wearable advertising section.
“I wanted to support hospice and Mahurangi College, and that section was a natural fit,” Sandra says.
She has salvaged a number of materials from wrecker’s yards for both of her driving themed outfits.
“I would say I’m creative already, but Google has definitely been my friend for ideas.
“I’m just nervous about how the vision will compare to the end product.”
The show will be held at the Mahurangi College Hall on October 13 and 14.
Tickets cost between $15 and $60 and can be purchased from hospice or online at mahurangi.school.nz
