The iD International Emerging Designer Awards are on in Dunedin for the 17th time this Saturday and will showcase the work of the 42 finalists from 16 countries, as well as new season releases by five Dunedin designers.
Along with the two fashion shows, a film featuring video content taken by the 2021 finalists of their own collections will also premiere — a concept being repeated from last year due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Four fashion student interns began working full-time on event planning, including graphic design work and co-ordinating designers and models, last week.
They remain busy finalising the many behind the scene tasks that go into creating the glamorous show.
Fashion student Sidney North (20) said teamwork was an important part of the fast-paced planning process.
For fellow intern and fashion student Lotte Bailey (23), it had been "really nice" to make industry connections and build on those relationships.
"It’s been really fun," she said.
Laurabelle Voight (22) said that given the impacts of Covid-19 around the world, she and the other interns felt "lucky" to be a part of an event like iD Fashion Week at a time when many others did not have the same opportunity.
It was a particularly important show after last year’s events experienced major changes.
"It’s been an evolution for everyone," she said.
"We’re bringing back a new normal."
The women, along with another intern, Amelia Phillips (20), said they were looking forwards to seeing their hard work come together at the weekend.
iD Fashion Week chairwoman Dr Margo Barton praised them for the "brilliant" work.
"iD would not be able to run without their contribution," she said.
Along with the Saturday awards show, an Otago Polytechnic student show will be held at the Sargood Centre, on Friday at 7pm. Both are sold out.
iD head judge and fashion designer Tanya Carlson, of Carlson, will also host a free talk at the Otago Museum before the show.
An exhibition at the museum will showcase last year’s finalist film, which will be replaced by the 2021 movie on Sunday.
