Top designer to light up Spark festival

One of the world's most exciting designers, Moritz Waldemeyer, is flying direct from working on the London Olympics to speak at Spark week in Hamilton.

German-born Waldemeyer is known for working in a fusion of technology, art, fashion and design and is widely recognised as one of the most innovative designers of his generation.

He has worked with many of the world's top architects and fashion designers including Ron Arad, Zaha Hadid, and for a wide range of artists such as U2, OK GO, Rihanna and Kylie Minogue.

Festival director Kat Cox says this year's line-up of speakers has organisers excited.

"The speakers represent those at the forefront of the arts domain, they are imaginative, impressive and original and we're excited to host them in the Waikato."

Also flying in for Spark is photographer Anthony Goicolea, a Brooklyn, New York artist known internationally for his powerful and sinister staged photographic and video works.

"You rarely get the chance to get up close with the superstars of the arts world, and having Anthony Goicolea and Moritz Waldemeyer here in our region ... it's truly a rare opportunity that I hope people take advantage of. They will give fascinating insights into how they think and work," Cox says.

This year's international speakers hail from Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the US.

Wintec Student Jess Molina says Dan Gosling's session last year for his fashion label, Stolen Girlfriends Club was the most memorable.

"I really liked how hands-on he was with the talk, and he was very approachable."

Stolen Girlfriends Club is a brand that has gone viral from its base in Auckland. It has been worn by style leaders Kate Bosworth, Peaches Geldof, Ashlee Simpson and The Cobra Snake.

The 14th Annual Spark Festival is an international celebration of contemporary arts, media and design from August 13 to 17. With more than 30 talks, panel discussions, exhibitions and side events, Spark is free and open to all.