Wellington Designer Wins People’s Choice at World of WearableArt

A stunning creation inspired by the native kārearea falcon has won the People’s Choice Award at this year’s World of WearableArt contest. The garment, titled Autumn King, was designed by Catherine Anderton, a Wellington-based artist with extensive experience in costume design for film, opera, television, and theatre. The award recognizes the design that resonates most with the audience at this celebrated event.

Anderton, who teaches sewing classes at the Wellington Community Education Centre, expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. “I am a little bit flabbergasted still, I’m so honoured,” she stated in an interview with local media.

Design Inspiration and Materials

The concept for Autumn King emerged from Anderton’s initial exploration of leather leaves, woven together to create a striking representation of the kārearea. Living in the suburb of Horokiwi, Anderton finds inspiration in her surroundings, which include pine trees and a sheltered nook in her garden featuring a maple tree and concrete toadstools.

The design reflects the autumn season, a time characterized by transformation and preparation for winter. Anderton aimed to evoke the beauty of nature during this period, a time when gardeners relish the last rays of sunlight and the chill in the air allows for more tailored clothing. She also noted how animal skins can resemble dying leaves, blending natural elements with artistic expression.

The garment incorporates a variety of materials, including leather, silk, EVA foam, cotton duck, and taffeta. The whimsical addition of three toadstools provided a playful touch, while the intricate leather leaves added depth to the overall design. Notably, the piece also features iridescent moss, delicate silk flowers, and colors reminiscent of tree trunks, culminating in a garment that weighs as much as five leather jackets.

A Magical Presentation

During the event, the model, Chris, brought Autumn King to life, demonstrating unexpected fluidity and movement. Anderton had not anticipated that the heavy garment could allow for such expressiveness, which contributed to the piece’s appeal.

Reflecting on her past experiences, Anderton noted that her return to the World of WearableArt after a twelve-year break was significant. She previously won the First-Time Entrant Award in 2009 and has been a finalist multiple times. The emotional resonance of Autumn King, with its fairytale-like quality, likely struck a chord with the audience, transporting them to a nostalgic realm where the falcon embodies both mystery and wonder.

Anderton attributed the garment’s success to its escapism, stating that “you don’t know whether he [the falcon] is friend or foe,” creating an atmosphere that captivates viewers.

Winning the People’s Choice Award comes with a prize of $2,500, awarded to both Anderton and a randomly selected audience member who voted for her design.

The kārearea, which is New Zealand’s fastest bird and only falcon, has gained recognition as the country’s bird of the year. This small, tawny bird symbolizes the importance of conservation efforts, making Anderton’s design not only visually appealing but also a tribute to the species.

As Anderton considers future entries, she reflects on how winning the award has reinvigorated her creativity and passion for design. With her unique talent and perspective, she continues to inspire others in the world of wearable art.