Chocolate wrapper frocks in Wonderland

Everything from computer keys to chocolate wrappers, buttons to bubble wrap has been crafted into couture for this year’s UCOL Fashion extravaganza.

Wonderland will be held on Wednesday November 10 in the Atrium at UCOL’s King Street campus and promises to be a bigger spectacle than ever, says Fashion Lecturer Sheran Merritt.

Certificate in Fashion and Beauty students have spent weeks creating their designs for the Wearable Art category of their graduate fashion show.

“The students have been like magpies, collecting anything that can be recycled and restyled into fashion,” says Sheran.

Level 3 and Level 1 fashion students will parade their creations at the annual event, showcasing the skills they have gained in garment design and construction.

After the success of last year’s Fantasy Bra section, several UCOL staff have been invited to create a hat as their entry in a Mad Hatters category.

Palmerston North businesses are right behind the show: The Wonderland programme includes fashion parades featuring sponsors,The Warehouse, Pagani, Manawatu Theatre Society and The Bed Barn. The students will showcase garments constructed with materials from Arthur Toye Fabrics Ltd. 

Level 1 students will exhibit their newly acquired skills in batik, tie-dying and fabric art in The Warehouse Colourful Tee category.

The Bed Barn Junk 2 Funk parade is a collection of recycled garments given new life by the Level 3 Fashion students.

Startin at 7.30pm, Wonderland Fashion Parade will also feature live entertainment.

Tickets ($5) are available from UCOL Student Resource Centre, AS@U and Arthur Toye Fabrics Ltd.