'Mythical' show bursts into life again

This is a rare chance for budding designers and seamstresses to show off their work in front of thousands.
Every two years Tarnished Frocks and Divas bursts with life on to the Tauranga arts scene.
From its inception in 2005 it has mushroomed in popularity and has started to gain mythical status. Many have heard of the show but are unsure what it's all about.
An extravaganza of dance, music, acting and costumes, Tarnished Frocks is a celebration of life steered by a group of women who are united by their creativity, zest for life, the love of a dearly departed friend and the conviction that women become more beautiful as they get older.
The 2011 Mills Reef Tarnished Frocks and Divas is to be held September 15-17. The show's creative director, Judith Bell, refuses to be drawn on the exact location of the show within Mills Reef's impressive estate.
She keeps many aspects of the show to herself so as to give the spectacle itself more impact. Having seen a glimpse of the range of her creativity during interviews, my curiosity and excitement has been piqued. One section of the show she is keen to chat about however is the enormously popular Legacy Trust sponsored open design section.
This is a rare chance for budding designers and seamstresses to show off their work in front of thousands. The theme for this year's open design section is retro meets avant garde. Each entrant will be given a retro/vintage garment which they will use as their starting point as well as the name of an avant garde designer from the 1960s/70s.
These designers pushed the boundaries of fashion, breaking with convention and experimenting with innovative shapes and fabrics. Entrants must create a new garment which comprises at least 25 per cent of the original and reflects the style and influence of their given designer. Entrants are encouraged to add their own personal style and creativity to the creation.
The finished piece is to be submitted with a brief, written overview stating influences in the overall design and styling accessories for the catwalk. All entries are to be delivered to Creative Tauranga, Willow St, Tauranga by May 6. A panel of New Zealand's leading fashion designers will judge.
Finalists will see their creations modelled and be followed down the catwalk by thousands of eyes. Download the entry kit from www.tarnishedfrocksanddivas.co.nz or collect from Creative Tauranga, 112 Willow St, Tauranga