Glow Wear Auckland runway show a success

Bike enthusiasts and fashionistas gathered at Unitec on Saturdayevening to celebrate winners from all over the country taking out awards in the second Project Glow Wear design competition.

The competition, which has been running since March, gives people the chance to design clothing with a reflective element for those out and about at dusk and after dark. This year there were more than 200 entries and the winners took out some fabulous prizes.

Auckland hosted its own runway show for the first time this year with support from Auckland Transport and Mercury. Project Glow Wear is a collaboration with local councils in the Wellington region, NZTA and key sponsors. The Wellington runway show was held two weeks ago.

On Saturday, the best accessory menswear award was announced and went to Aucklander Joni Lee for a reflective bag. The Judges’ Choice award was also announced, and was given to Charlotte Allan for a navy blue trench coat with bird motifs.

The People’s Choice category is now open online and everyone can get in on the action and choose their favourite design. Voting is open here on Facebook and closes on 10 September.

Announced in Wellington, Amy Macaskill of Paremata took home the top Commercial Viability award sponsored by Arrow Uniforms, for her raglan-hooded jacket of stretch tulle with burnt out pattern backed with reflective fabric. Amy also designed a matching leggings and yoga bag The Commercial Viability Award, valued at $5,000, includes a two-month paid internship with Arrow Uniforms at their offices in Lower Hutt, where Amy can work toward manufacturing her winning design for sale to the public.

Auckland leaders, Councillor Chris Darby, Councillor Penny Hulse, Councillor Cathy Casey and Waitemata Local Board Chair Pippa Coom got right behind the competition and modelled in the show, as did Local Board member Jessica Rose who was the MC for the evening.

Councillor Darby says, “This is a fun way to raise the topic of safety and transport with Aucklanders. We do everything we can to create safe places for people to walk and cycle but this group are still vulnerable road users. Helping people to illuminate themselves is one way to enhance safety as you travel in the early morning and evening.”

Julia Jack, Mercury’s Chief Marketing Officer (and enthusiastic e-bike owner) says, “Saturday’s event was lit up with wonderful energy both on the runway, and in the crowd. We’ve been encouraging Kiwis to ride wonderful on e-bikes and we saw some incredible clothing that could help riders keep safe and be seen while looking amazing.”

Auckland Transport’s Manager for Walking, Cycling and Road Safety Kathryn King says, “We had a fabulous night on Saturday, celebrating the winners and seeing their spectacular garments down the runway. It was wonderful to be at Unitec and see people coming to the show on the new Waterview Shared Path. A special thanks goes to our political leaders who lent their support on the runway and Mercury who helped us bring the show to Auckland.”

About the design competition

See photos from the Wellington show: www.projectglowwear.com andwww.facebook.com/ProjectGlowWear

The $10,000 prize pool attracted more than 200 entries competing in 13 categories, double the number of entries received when the competition was launched in 2016. Prizes included a $500 Levi’s voucher, an internship at Mandatory Menswear, a Wacom tablet, a Singer sewing machine, shearing scissors and cash prizes.

ENDS

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