Tasty treat for Edible Fashion Awards

Hawke's Bay Edible Fashion Award director and production manager Andrea Vernik-Taaffe with some of last year's entries, after announcing this year's judges. Photo/Glenn Taylor

Working as a food stylist has provided Fiona Smith with some vital insight when designing her own creation for the Hawke's Bay Edible Fashion Awards.

Last year Ms Smith came to the region as deputy food editor for Cuisine Magazine and judge of the annual event - this time her design will take the catwalk on Saturday May 31.

"It's helpful because I'm used to working through issues with food - taking something that doesn't look right and making it work - I know how different food reacts to things, for example what dries out," she said.

The next couple of weekends would see her holed up trialling, designing and tinkering to do something totally unique, which will be re-created closer to the time.

"In my work as a food stylist I do manipulate food a lot, but trying to make it flow and look like fashion is quite hard," she said. "Working with food is harder than working with packaging -packaging doesn't have a lifespan, but that's part of the challenge."

Having seen the high calibre of entries at last year's extravaganza, she was inspired to blend her knowledge of food with a passion for fashion.

"I was really impressed. I came into it thinking it was going to be really hokey, but I was impressed with the standard - from the little kids who did such charming things to the high school kids who made these gorgeous clothes."

Ms Smith was even "nervous" at the prospect of talent she might come up against.

This year's Edible Fashion Awards will be held at the Hawke's Bay showgrounds exhibition hall, and judged by an impressive panel featuring celebrity chef Bonnie Berkett, actress Alix Bushnell and designer Sarah Nelson.

Berkett appeared on Gordon Ramsay's gruelling TV competition Hell's Kitchen in 2007, where she came second in the show's third season.

Following that she ran a private catering business, Bonnie Appetit, which boasted A-list Hollywood movers-and-shakers including Mark Wahlberg, Russell Brand, Owen Wilson and Lisa-Marie Presley among its clients.

The Californian girl moved to Hawke's Bay with Kiwi husband Shane in late 2010, opening American-styled treat store Bonnie Cakes in Ahuriri two years later.

The shop has since closed but her cupcakes are still available from various cafes throughout Hawke's Bay. She recently she took on a new challenge as head chef at Ormlie Lodge.

Alix Bushnell, perhaps better known as Britta from New Zealand TV series Go Girls, first appeared as a judge last year and asked organisers if she could return for a second time in 2014.

The actress played a major part in New Zealand feature film Matariki, directed by Michael Bennett, and appeared in the drama series This is Not My Life.

Her energy, individuality and vibrancy made a great addition to the panel, said event director and production manager Andrea Vernik-Taaffe.

Napier designer Sarah Nelson was another familiar face, coming back as head judge at this month's event.

She brought experience having entered Fibre and Fleece, Hokonui and World Of Wearable Arts (WOW).

"I am absolutely thrilled to be invited to be head judge for the 2014 Edible Fashion Awards and I can't wait to see what wild, wacky and wonderful creations will be conceived by the designers," she said.

For tickets see: ediblefashionawards.co.nz/index