Dazzling runway show comes to Wellington

A new high-impact fashion trend will take Wellington by storm this month. Top entries from New Zealand's first reflective fashion design competition - Project Glow Wear will be on show alongside collections from international companies that specialise in everyday reflective street wear.

Designers and sewers from across the country have entered the inaugural competition, producing chic, elaborate and eye-catching retro-reflective clothing and accessories designs to light up our nights.

"We're very pleased with the quantity and quality of the entries and that so many people have answered the call to reimagine safety wear and high fashion garments," says Melanie Thornton, Manager of Sustainable Transport at Greater Wellington Regional Council, one of several organisations behind the event.

"When you're out and about on foot or bike at night, increasing your visibility is a great idea. In low light, dark clothing can render you almost invisible. Being seen doesn't have to mean sporting boxy hi-viz vests. It can also be about wearing flattering everyday items that create a strong visual punch. Even high end fashion can make a dull night sparkle with subtle and stylish reflective elements."

International specialists in reflective wear from fashion houses in Germany and New York, are right behind the project and have agreed to have their garments on display at the awards night.

Ms Thornton says people will be inspired and impressed by the skills of entrants in the competition, whose creations will be modelled at an after dark, sound and light spectacular on August 20. One lucky winner will have their marketable garment or accessory put into production by Arrow Uniforms.

"The project would not have been possible without fantastic support from our partners: Arrow Uniforms, Hutt City, Wellington City and Kāpiti District councils, Blissker and Vespertine fashion houses, and our sponsors: Singer, Wellington Sewing Centre and the Wellington Lux Festival."

Competition sponsors have contributed prizes including:

• The manufacture and distribution of the winning entry
• An eight week paid internship with Arrow Uniforms (valued at $5,000)
• A heavy duty sewing machine from Singer
• An Intuos art pen and touch media tablet from the Wellington Lux Festival
• A steam station from Wellington Sewing Centre
• Cash prizes for runners up.

Limited tickets are available for the event at the Wellington Underground Market, 7.30pm Saturday 20 August 20 from Eventfinda:

http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/project-glow-wear-fashion-show/wellington-region

Media contact GWRC comms adviser Jim Flack 021 802976.

Reflective streetwear – a new international fashion trend and the focus of Project Glow Wear – New Zealand’s first reflective fashion design competition. Greater Wellington Regional Council Sustainable Transport adviser Matt Shipman models reflective streetwear from German fashion house Blissker.