When the finalists in the 2010 Bernina Young Fashion Awards were announced this week, nine were from the Bay of Plenty, more than any other region in the country - proving that fashion design and sewing are very much alive and well in the area.
From more than 600 entries nationwide,
to be judged a finalist in New Zealand's premier competition for aspiring fashion designers is a notable achievement.
The 9 local finalists are:
Kelsey Pepper, Bethlehem College, finalist in the Senior Technical Category.
Nicole Jeffrey, Katikati College, finalist in the Senior Technical Category.
Alysha Webster, Otumoetai College, finalist in the Senior Technical Category.
Hollee Fisher, Katikati College, finalist in the Senior Creative Category.
Kyle Simpson, Otumoetai College, finalist in the Senior Creative Category.
Meghan Scarrow, Katikati College, finalist in the Intermediate Technical Category.
Madison Read, Otumoetai College, finalist in the Intermediate Technical Category.
Sarah Robinson, Tauranga Intermediate School, finalist in the Junior Technical Category.
Sophie Graham, Tauranga Intermediate School, finalist in the Junior Creative Category.
Bernina New Zealand will be announcing the winners in each category on Thursday, with each winner taking home a new sewing machine and their school receiving $500-1000 worth of Bernina products.
