High fashion from second-hand gear

NorthTec Project Runway Upcycling challenge contestants, from left, Maria Riegel, Chloe King, Bree Martinac, Evelyn Taylor and Grace Ligairi. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Fashion novices got stuck into a three-day project calling on them to create new garments out of second-hand clothes.

The NorthTec Project Runway Upcycling challenge threw participants in the deep end when they were given bags of used clothes to transform into new outfits.

Some of the students had no fashion design experience at all.

Five high school students completed the challenge with outfits made from trousers, blouses, jeans, jackets and vests.

Fashion design tutor Edele Macdonald said she was thrilled with the girls' creations.

"It went really, really well. It was mad busy, but the girls really enjoyed it," she said.

"Starting out they had no idea what garments they would end up with."

All five are still in the running to come away as the winner after the judges had a tough time selecting a top three.

"There was just one point between them so we thought they could all go to public vote."

Kamo High School student Evelyn Taylor, 16, turned a vest, blouse and skirt into a dress.

"It has been great and I have learned heaps, like how to gather a skirt. I've learnt from the other contestants as well - we all have such different styles," she said.

Visit: www.northtec.ac.nz/projectrunway to have a closer look at the outfits and vote for your favourite. Voting closes next Monday.