Award-winning golden Cambodian design big hit online

Designer Dara Lee's Apsera Mera modelled by Suitte Presbitero at the Edible Fashion Awards 2017, held at the beginning of the month. Photo/ Kevin Bridle Photography.

The culture of Cambodia was brought to life through this year's Edible Fashion Awards' People's Choice winner.

Dara Lee shot to fame last week as his golden design modelled by Suitte Presbitero drew more than 1000 likes on Facebook as part of the Mangapapa Hotel People's Choice Award.

Mr Lee, originally from Cambodia, created an Apsara Mera, a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, using rice bags, pizza boxes, plastic plates, tin foil and forks.

"Not a lot of people know much about my home country Cambodia so I wanted to create awareness with this famous god and keep it as traditional as I could."

It took the 21-year-old four months to create and he enjoyed every moment of it.

"I loved it and I was shocked to see how many people liked it and shared it on Facebook."

The white corset underneath the golden chest plate and belt was given to Mr Lee by a member of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia who had worn it during her performance in front of the royal family.

"She saw my work on Instagram and was keen to help out so let my model wear her corset, it made the whole outfit really special."

The five tall structures on the crown represented the five lotus towers standing on top of Angkor Wat today, the largest religious monument in the world.

Since Mr Lee's success in the fashion awards he has been asked to go back to Cambodia and is creating a video with the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and his outfit at Angkor Wat.

"I am so excited and can't wait, I have always liked design but didn't think I would get this opportunity."

Judge and Unio Goldsmith & Gallery owner Bruce Jackson said Mr Lee's outfit just blew him away, as the headpiece, chestplate and belt also won the Unio Goldsmith & Gallery Jewellery & Accessory Category.

He said from the moment he set his eyes on it he knew it was the standout piece of the awards.

"The total piece looked exactly like a professional costume despite being made out food packaging, it was incredible."

Event director Kelie Jensen said the awards was a great success and they were looking forward to building on the people's choice next year.

"We were overwhelmed by the response on Facebook with the amount of votes and shares so it is definitely something we will continue."

The winner of the Cake Stuff Adult Designer and the Yummy Fruit Company Designer of the Year Awards was Keryn Whitney for her Serquet - an Egyptian goddess of scorpions, medicine, magic, and healing venomous stings and bites, constructed from disposable, biodegradable cutlery and fishing netting.

There will be a display of some of the winning and finalist designs upstairs at the Hastings Community Arts Centre Gallery from next Monday for two weeks.