Recycled fashion has the Wow factor

PHIL REID/The Dominion Post

WOW FACTOR: Lorraine Downes models a WearableArt entry in Wellington.

In spring colours of lemon, yellow and green, and made from recycled materials that include an old lampshade and a flax basket, the first World of WearableArt entry has been unveiled in Wellington.

The awards show is still two months away but for the first time one of the garments has been revealed ahead of the event with a sneak preview modelled by former Miss Universe and Dancing With the Stars winner Lorraine Downes.

Created by New Zealand fabric artist Susan Holmes, a previous World of WearableArt supreme award winner, the outfit features hoops made from fencing wire, dramatic shoots of green, a headpiece made from a woven flax basket, and a bodice from remodelled "pre-loved" fabrics and a recycled lampshade.

Ms Downes had to hold on to her hat in a stiff Wellington breeze on the waterfront yesterday as she showed off the garment, which she said was "really, really light to wear".

Ms Holmes was commissioned by World of WearableArt long-term sponsor Montana to design a garment to celebrate its Brut Cuvee sparkling wine.

She was inspired by visiting the winemaker's Brancott Winery in Marlborough.

"I took my cues from the rolling hills at the winery, the weather, the vines, soil and grapes. The colours I have used represent the hues of nature," she said.

Her garment will feature in the World of WearableArt show, which opens in Wellington on September 20 and has 10 performances.

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