Story: Jo Harrison
Saumarez Homestead the historic home of the White family that helped shape the wool industry in the New England was the perfect setting for the 2013 Australian Wool Fashion Awards.
Under a glorious autumn sunset guests gathered in the stunning grounds for an Alice in Wonderland themed garden party for drinks and nibbles before settling in to view the gala fashion parade hosted by fashion icon Deborah Hutton.
The standout for this year’s wool creations was the bold and vibrant use of colour with New Zealand designer Laurel Judd taking out the Supreme Award with her handmade felt creation.
Laurel also took out two other awards on the night including first place in the knitwear section and first place in the race wear section.
Laurel was not planning on making the trip from New Zealand however Liz Foster from the Australian Wool fashion Awards was very persuasive.
“I have been designing for around 30 years and was previously a physical education teacher back in New Zealand,” said Laurel.
“It was a hobby early on that grew; I just fell in love with it and have been very lucky ever since.
“My husband encouraged me to give up teaching and just do what I love; so I have been very fortunate.”
Laurel is self taught and a member of many different sewing clubs where they share their knowledge. A friend told Laurel about the Australian Wool Fashion Awards and so she entered.
“My friend, my mentor who I consult with all the time told me it was time to go out of the country to showcase my work,” said Laurel.
“So I thought I would give it a go.
“Everything I do is quite different and I think tonight for me I was aware that a lot of the garments were made from purchased fabric but I make my fabric from scratch.
“One creation can take several months, I like to be organised and I work well ahead of time. Then I constantly make changes and editions with the design metamorphosing over time.”
Local young designers to feature in the awards included Miriam Lott from Armidale High School who was awarded second prize in the Secondary School Award – Alice in Wonderland and a Highly Commended for Evie Weir, Duval High School Armidale. Nichola Eliott from New England Girls’ School took out first place in the Young Designer Award and lastly Academy of Design Scholarships were awarded to Nichola Elliot – New England Girls’ School, Armidale; Miriam Lott – Armidale High School and Edith Rose – Armidale High School.
