There is a hive of activity in central Gore as volunteers get ready for the 35th Hokonui Fashion Design Awards.
Dozens of packages containing designers’ creations have arrived in the South to be unwrapped and sorted before the event.
Among those pitching in to help is Hokonui Fashion Design Awards head of wardrobe Anna Balloch, who said unwrapping the dozens of garments was like Christmas.
‘‘The room is filled with thousands and thousands of hours of work and designers’ creations. We get the honour of looking after them and make sure they are shown in the best way.’’
The event is the longest-running amateur fashion show of its type in the country and attracts some of the industry’s best to judge the work. This year’s judges include Steven Dunstan, from Huffer, and Liam Bowden, of Deadly Ponies.
Also in the South for the event this year will be broadcaster Hilary Barry, who will compere the event’s gala evening.
Hokonui Fashion Design Awards convener Jacqui McKinney said thousands of hours of volunteer work went into producing the show, which supports up-and-coming designers.
This year’s event will be expanded, with more details to follow in coming weeks, she said.
