Rotorua designer Adrienne Whitewood didn't think her woven streetwear stacked up against other well-known designers in the Cult Couture awards but it did - and she scooped the top prize in the competition.
The 25-year-old won $6000 from the event in which her label was judged against some top Kiwi designers, including Shona Tawhio, Kiri Nathan and Linda Lepou. Miss Whitewood was happy to have taken out the supreme award in the fashion competition with her creation called Taniko.
Her piece was one of 120 entries in the contest, taking out the streetwear section before winning the supreme award.
"I was just ecstatic. I was thinking I didn't have a chance ... it's a real big deal. There were some big names up there."
Taniko, a multi-coloured handwoven dress featuring geometric patterns, was inspired by Lady Gaga and Maori design.