Sky's limit as local salon dreams up wearable art

SHARP LOOK: Aislin's award-winning Razor's Edge creation from 2012. INSET: Jo Mitchell is preparing for her fifth entry into wearable arts at this year's CreationFest. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Inspired by bringing dreams and nightmares to life, Jo Mitchell is marking her fifth foray into the colourful and kooky world of wearable creations at this year's CreationFest.

As owner of local Rotorua hair salon Aislin, Ms Mitchell and her team were the first to put in a corporate entry into this year's Wearable section, spurred on by their clients.

After a hiatus last year, the Aislin team is looking forward to defending and bettering their 2012 results, where their Razor's Edge creation won the People's Choice award and came second in the corporate category.

"I just love the competition and was disappointed it wasn't on last year, but it's also given us another whole year to think about what we're going to do. Winning two awards last time was fantastic and we have had so much encouragement from clients to keep at it. They love the fact we enter."

The new format of CreationFest, formerly Wearable Creationz, involved five new categories in the wearable section and also involved short film and live performance sections.

"This year's Wearable competition is different from in the past and it's allowed us to design an outfit without any limits in terms of materials."

This year, the Aislin team have entered into the "sweet dreams and beautiful nightmares" category.

Ms Mitchell said entering as a corporate team was important for the salon, as it created a stronger team feel.

"Art is a passion for me, so part of entering is about being able to express that. But it's also about team-building; getting everyone together and having some fun."

Entries are still open, with people encouraged to enter now. The event will be held from July 15-19. Tickets are also on sale now. Go to www.creationfest.co.nz for information.