$20,000 Med cruise for design winner

The winner of Rotorua's Wearable Creationz this year will take away a 10-day cruise around the Mediterranean and a trip for two to Rome.

The trip sets a new benchmark for the prize going to the popular competition's Supreme winner.

The return trip for two to Rome will include a 10-day, five star cruise around the Mediterranean worth $20,000, from Harvey World Travel. The prize includes two nights in Singapore, one night in Rome and 10 days on board the 5-star Holland America Line.

Wearable Creationz chairwoman Barbara Cook said the trust and organising committee were delighted to be able to offer the sponsored prize to a deserving supreme winner.

"Every year the entrants in the Wearable Creationz continue to surpass our expectations with their talent, creativity and passion, and it's fantastic to be able to recognise that effort with such a high calibre prize," she said.

Wearable Creationz received phenomenal support from local businesses and sponsors, Mrs Cook said.

"As a community, together, we own this event, it is ours.

"It is so satisfying for us all to know that the Wearable Creationz event is now so highly regarded, and has such a level of credibility that it is able to attract support from organisations such as Harvey World Travel, Holland America and Singapore Airlines for this supreme prize. I love that our local sponsors are able to support us in this way," she said.

Harvey World Travel Rotorua manager Deborah Kay said the prize acknowledged the value of what had become a major community event.

"We have been proud to be associated with this iconic event over the last few years, so we are pleased to offer such a fantastic prize this year for the Supreme winner," she said.

Entries for 2012 Wearable Creationz are open and will close on June 18, with the design board and accompanying music due on July 23.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the website, including information on the revised judging criteria.

The winner will be announced following two days of shows at a special award dinner on August 18.

For further information about the categories, entries and Wearable Creationz, go to www.wearablecreationz.co.nz