The Edgar & Bird Shift collection was debuted at the Oversew Fashion Awards opening night on Saturday. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
Emily Ireland
This year’s Oversew Fashion Awards, held at the Carterton Events Centre boasted a diverse mix of fashions.
But it was judge Paul Edgar Bird whose designs resonated with me in particular.
It was Wednesday morning last week when I was roped into modelling a dress in his 12-piece Shift collection which debuted on the awards night.
His model, or as he prefers – muse, was no longer able to attend the event due to unforeseen circumstances, and so I gladly agreed to do it.
I didn’t agree because I like modelling – the thought of it made my stomach turn – I agreed because his collection under the brand name Edgar & Bird was all about embracing the diversity of women.
The women, pictured, are all unique and vary in age, sizes, shapes, and backgrounds.
Instead of using a one cut fits all approach, Bird worked with each woman to flatter her features, and encourage her to live out her inner Goddess.
“As a designer I felt a moral obligation to have a positive representation of diversity,” Bird said.
“The Shift collection also pays homage to the positive shift in the air that Aotearoa is doing in regards to our environment, with many great pushes being done in reducing our waste.”
Bird’s collection features monochromatic tones with a strong bold graphic element with the designs tailored and streamlined to the individual figures of each muse.
His own mother was a muse for the collection.
“This collection is something I’m really proud of, not just for me, but also the women being represented.
“I hope this collection is something to inspire others and also answer a few questions that often get left out within the fashion industry.”
He said he was thankful to everyone involved in bringing his collection to life.
The Oversew Fashion Awards is all about upcycling, minimising waste, and reducing landfill.
Winners of the 2018 Oversew Fashion Awards at the Carterton Events Centre on Saturday night, with Pip Dow’s winning piece, “Viva La Denim,” at the centre. PHOTO/ MASANORI UDAGAWA
The 2018 Overall winner was Pip Dow, with the piece “Viva La Denim,” which also won the Streetstyle and Menswear Award.
People’s Choice award went to Libby Dalziell, who’s garment “Once Upon a Pom-Pom” was made from carefully torn pre-loved clothing – including ball gowns.
Rebekah Graham’s “Let’s Go Skating” won the Ath-Leisure Category and Young Designer Award.
Julie Barro was runner-up with “Criss Cross”.
Sarah Wallis took out the Night Life category with “Serena”, while Jodi Walker’s “Variation” also turned heads, winning the Show Stoppers category.
The Mini Collection winner was Gina Hamilton’s “Outlaw & Sheriff”, and the Tertiary Designer Award went to Claire Heguy, for “Vittoria”.
Oversew will move to the Lower Hutt Events Centre next year to keep up with increasing demand from those wanting to attend the show.
