Fashionable prizes for students

John Paul College fabric technology students (from front) Emily Park, Felicity Cook, Hannah Christiansen and Mackenzie van Fulpen. Photo / Stephen Parker

John Paul College fabric technology students shone at the annual National Young Designers Awards Competition, with at least four students walking away with prizes.

The school came out on top in three of the national competition's fashion categories, which are judged not only on the finished product but the entire design process.

The competition was held in Christchurch and aimed to encourage creativity, confidence and the pursuit of excellence in young people.

Year 12 student Felicity Cook, 17, placed first for the senior evening wear category with her Grecian-inspired frock.

"I was inspired when a friend and I went shopping for ball dresses. There was this Grecian dress my friend really liked and so I modelled my design after that.

"It's a blue knee-length dress with a gold belt. I layered the top half with with white lace which also created the sleeves."

Felicity said she was drawn to fabric technology because she liked making things.

"It makes you feel good about yourself when you have something to show at the end of all your hard work."

Felicity said the dress took about a term to complete.

"The hardest part was getting going because you start with a blank piece of paper but that made it all the more rewarding."

Emily Park placed first in the junior high street fashion category, while Hannah Christiansen placed first in the senior section of high street fashion.

Mackenzie van Fulpen was awarded second place in the senior evening wear category.