Old is the new black in test for designers

Head of NorthTec's fashion department Edele MacDonald is looking for 15 keen participants for her upcoming upcycling workshop. Photo / File

Clothes that no longer fit or are tired and out of date are getting a breath of fresh of air with NorthTec's latest fashion department challenge.

The Project Runway upcycling workshop is going to challenge designers to turn old garments into new, fashionable creations.

Head of department Edele MacDonald said she is looking for 15 people aged 16 to 30 to see how far they can go with the Project Runway style challenge. Applications close on Thursday.

She said tutor support, design advice and critiques would be ongoing throughout the three-day course.

Participants will be under pressure to meet deadlines and come up with creative designs that have a fashionable flair, inspired by the television competition Project Runway.

Upcycling is a cheap and environmentally-friendly way to update your wardrobe, she said.

"Students short on cash upcycle their out-of-date jeans by adding a few seams and rips instead of buying a new pair."

A winning designer will be chosen at the end of the three-day workshop by 50 per cent judges' decision and 50 per cent public vote.

The workshop will run Monday, September 30 to Wednesday October 2 at the fashion department at NorthTec Raumanga Campus.

Contact Ms MacDonald at emacdonald@northtec.ac.nz or phone 09 470 3731.