The Australian Celtic Fashion Awards were under new management this year as duo Vivienne Williams and Esther Honey took them on, under the umbrella of Glen Innes Severn Council.
Now several years old this is the first time fashionistas had the opportunity to view the entries over several days in Glen Innes Town Hall. Mrs Williams said the new arrangements worked very well, although they're looking forward to having a presence at the Standing Stones next year.
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She roped in her RSPCA colleagues to man the door, with half the gold coin entry takings being donated to that cause.
This year's theme of A Tartan Day Out led to some interesting interpretation.
Organisers were very pleased with the number of entries received in the garments section, attracting 13 items in all. Clair Gibbons took out the major award with a reversible skirt featuring thistles on one side and checks on other, paired with a jumpsuit and matching shoes and hat.
Another favourite of the organisers was what Mrs Williams described as a beautiful cape with a leaf motif, matched with checked pants and a lovely top.
Major sponsor Sandra Royal of Sew Many Fabrics had the hard job of picking the winners. Mrs Williams said she was impressed with the attention to detail, with the matching of checked patterns at the seams and the demonstration of great sewing skills.
The craft and arts sections attracted fewer entries, but Mrs Williams said she and Mrs Honey consider 2021 as their foundation year on which to build. They will be looking to get more schools involved in the future.
Life Choices took out the craft category, and Sarah Wilson won the Under 16s with a reversible cloak with coordinating bands on matching hat and shoes. Sarah received a sewing machine as an encouragement award.
Mrs Williams said there will be a few tweaks to arrangements for next year's awards, but that they were very fortunate to have the entries and the quality they had at this year's event.
