29 October 2007

Excitement is building as this year’s Villa Maria Cult-Couture Awards night approaches. Organiser Manukau City Council’s Art Events Manager Chantelle Whaiapu promises a show of amazing fashion, music and dance.

A record number of entries have been received from New Zealand designers from around the Auckland region and as far afield as Napier, Wellington, and Westland and Canterbury in the South Island.

“We’ve seen a really high calibre of entries this year and I think it’s a big step-up for the event. The judges are going to have a difficult time making their selections,” says Chantelle.

Along with the stunning fashion there is a great line-up of entertainment headlined by the fabulous Tina Cross. Che Fu, King Kapisi, vocal quartet Azare and the Okareka Dance Company complete the talented line-up of performers.

Now in their sixth year, the awards showcase cutting-edge fashion with designers drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s vibrant arts and diverse cultures.

Fashion categories are Recycled Revolution, Formally Yours, Obviously Organic, Flight of Fantasy, Matrimonial Bliss and On the Streets, plus a new award to recognise excellence from Manukau designers. The Villa Maria Estate Premier Award will be chosen from the category winners.

Judges this year include Rachael Churchward from Black Magazine and Ana Macdonald, Fashion Editor for The New Zealand Herald’s Viva magazine.

A special preview evening will be held on Friday 23 November, followed by the awards night on Saturday 24 November. Both events will be held at the Genesis Energy Theatre, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre. Tickets are available from ticketdirect (www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 TICKET).

Villa Maria Cult-Couture is presented by Manukau City Council and Villa Maria Estate. The event also receives generous support from category sponsors:
Auckland International Airport Limited, Datacom, GHD, Manukau City Council’s Waste Management and Meredith Connell, with hair and makeup for the event provided by Cut Above Academy.

ENDS

© Scoop Media