Model wears Yuki Man's creation at Hokonui Fashion Design Awards
  • 04 August 2022

Yuki Man wins Fashion Design Awards

We are thrilled for Marsden Year 13 textiles technology student Yuki Man who has won two awards in the Hokonui Fashion Design competition. Yuki's amazing design made from recycled men's shirts was entered into the School UpCYCLED section. She was awarded both the Macca Lodge School UPCYCLED Award (worth $700) and the Bernina School of Excellence Award, winning $1,200 and a sewing machine.


It was very easy to source the unwanted business shirts. Many people from my school were extremely willing to donate their unused business shirts.
Yuki Man 2022
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2022 marks the 33rd anniversary of the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards - making this the longest running fashion design awards of their type in New Zealand. Held in Gore since 1988, the awards have been a competitive platform for all amateur fashion designers to showcase their designs in front of well-regarded industry leaders.

 

Judges included designers Rachel Easting and Anjali Burnett from Twenty Seven Names, Huffer designer Steve Dunstan and Kathryn Willson (shoe designer).

Yuki's submission included the following explanation:

My passion for sustainability in the textile industry escalated when I was educated further on this topic for a fashion report. The moment that enlightened me was when we were shown a documentary, ‘The True Cost’. I was shocked at the extent of the impact that the textile industry had on our environment and third world overseas communities.


The mens’ business shirt is a staple clothing item that many have in their closets. Making the whole garment, including the necklace, out of men’s business shirts displays how such a common clothing can be transformed into something completely different. This highlights the importance of upcycling used clothing.


It was very easy to source the unwanted business shirts. Many people from my school were extremely willing to donate their unused business shirts. In total I received around thirty second hand business shirts, which I am very grateful for.


The tailored shirts already have such beautiful detailing such as the pockets and buttons. I couldn’t waste such beauty so I decided to utilise them and keep them as a key feature.


This whole garment is made from the easily sourceable business shirts and was made with minimal cost. Give clothes their deserved second life.

 

Congratulations Yuki, we are super proud of your outstanding creation and commitment to sustainability.