4 March 2013 at 9:00 am
Kiwi fashion talent on show at New Zealand Fashion Week in Malaysia
New Zealand and Malaysia’s top emerging fashion designers are collaborating in a competition created by Education New Zealand to celebrate New Zealand Week in Malaysia which starts on 11 March 2013.
Students from Massey University, Otago Polytechnic, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Whitieria Community Polytechnic, WINTEC and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) are competing.
They worked ‘virtually’ in pairs with their Malaysian counterparts to create four distinct outfits, which will be judged by leading New Zealand footwear designer Kathryn Wilson and Malaysian celebrity designer Bill Keith. Each collection will be based on the theme of ‘rejuvenation’ and be inspired by the rebuild of Christchurch city - this year the Week’s theme is the reconstruction of Christchurch.
The second annual New Zealand Week (11-15 March) in Kuala Lumpur aims to raise New Zealand’s profile in Malaysia including in investment, tourism and education. The week coincides with major education fairs in Kuching, Penang and Kuala Lumpur which will have a strong presence from New Zealand education institutions.
It is being branded RESTART to raise awareness, and attract Malaysian involvement, in Christchurch’s reconstruction.
Education New Zealand developed the Virtual Re-Start Fashion Competition to showcase the quality of New Zealand fashion institutions and attract the attention of Malaysian students, encouraging them to come and study in New Zealand.
More than 2000 Malaysian students studied in New Zealand last year. “The competition is an amazing way to showcase both New Zealand and Malaysian talent, and the fabulous opportunities made possible through the infusion of education and cultural diversity. It’s great to see Education New Zealand using creativity to market New Zealand education. These students represent the next generation in the fashion industry so I am really excited to see what they come up with,” says Kathryn Wilson.
For New Zealand Week, Education New Zealand worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Seminars will also be held to promote South Island tourism and investment in the Christchurch rebuild.
