Raw talent shines through for young designer in Henty awards
A young designer on a gap year entering the Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards for the first time stole the limelight by taking out the Supreme Garment Award.
Juliette Hart, of Junee, wowed the judges with her use of fibre and contemporary design in a strapless dress with a denim fitted bodice, drop waist and tiered calico pleated skirt.
The 19-year-old is working on the family sheep and cropping farm for her gap year and trumped many experienced designers with her raw talent.
“I really only got into fashion at school by doing textiles and design, and my major project was nominated for Shape in Sydney, but I have been sewing since I was six,” Miss Hart said.
“I had this design in my head and decided I wanted to make something out of denim as it is a good fabric to work with. I spent a whole week on it up to 3am one morning trying to get it done.
“I hand pleated the 100 per cent cotton skirt and it also has pockets. I hope to attend the fashion course at University of Technology Sydney to make it a career.
“I was not expecting to win anything – all of the outfits were so cool. I had entered so I could put the fact on my little resume.
“I have never been to Henty before and I’m really enjoying it – it’s a great day to hang out with people and buy some hats.”
The 19th Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards were a highlight of the Country Lifestyle program at the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 17-19, drawing over 80 entries from almost every state and internationally with the winners announced on Thursday.
Fashion designers vied for the chance to win a Bernina 325 sewing machine valued at $1499 plus $1000 cash prize money courtesy of Bernina Australia and Sew Fab, Narrandera, for the Best Garment in Natural Fibre.
Open to amateurs and professionals, the awards recognise the innovative use of natural fibres – from paddock to catwalk – in creative but wearable clothing.
The judging emphasis was on visual appeal, creative and innovative use of natural fibres.
This year’s judges were Colleen Langtry, Wagga Wagga, Lisa Schaefer, Grenfell and Krystal Kaye, Wagga Wagga.
Awards organiser Lyn Jacobsen said the natural fibres could include wool, alpaca, angora, mohair, cashmere, cotton, silk and linen.
Mrs Jacobsen paid tribute to the models from The Riverina Anglican College, Wagga Wagga, trained by Peta Schaefer, compere Bernadette Torresan, MC Steve Bowen, the sponsors, judges and assistants out the back.
Past winner Laurel Judd, of New Zealand, returned to the winner’s circle with a stunning fitted off the shoulder dress in bold stripes of purple, silver and black to win the Best Knitted or Crocheted Garment.
The entry from Jo Simpson, of Dungog, was among 17 different creative garments brought down by Julie Fitzgerald from entrants in her local region. Jo walked away with the Best Accessory with her cape in shimmering tones of magenta and rust.
The best garment designed by a student was won by Alicia Iacono, Wagga Wagga, with a floral pant suit with a halter neck.
Alicia, a town planner, enjoys sewing as a hobby and enrolled in 30-week beginners’ course at the Sew Me School of Fashion and Design Wagga Wagga.
“I entered a jump suit with ties at the front in a big bow and in a big bold print. I liked the style and design. I am putting time and effort into my own creativity,” she said.
“This is the first time I’ve entered, and it was a surprise to win. I just want to build off my skills to competently sew.”
Rebecca Hillas, Wagga Wagga, won the millinery section for a green hat with a hand dyed and cut felt orange flower.
The Australian Made Award, sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga, and winning $500 was Nicole Oakes, Kergunyah, for a stunning cream wool wedding dress with a tiered train.