Foil became fabulous frocks, fascinators and funky fashion in the inaugural Cadbury Chocolate Carnival couture wearable art event last night.
Ten models glittered and glammed their way down the Savoy catwalk, watched by a crowd of more than 100, there to support the organisers, the Zonta Club of Dunedin, and the beneficiaries, the Neonatal Trust of Otago.
Designers were given a 10m roll of foil of one colour and a 5m roll of a contrasting colour. Their only requirement was to use all the foil to create an outfit.
Aided by tape, glue, staples and sewing machines, the results sparkled and surprised - a ball gown made of red and gold frills, a 1960s-inspired cape and dress set off by a spectacular headdress and a chocolate-tin handbag, several smart cocktail dresses, a sassy gown made of foil and rubbish bags, and a glimmering gold and white jacket, hot pants and bustle combination.
Blake Merrett (10), the youngest model and the only male, wore jacket, cap, singlet and trousers in smart green and gold.
Cadbury's event co-ordinator, Lee-Anne Anderson, said she was "amazed" by the creativity and workmanship of the entries.
The winner of a $500 gift card was Tina Shirley, of Nelson, for her creation Cherry Heaven, a cocktail dress featuring red discs and gold hoops.
Wintry disruption may have won a few of the earlier rounds, but the delights of chocolate decisively defeated snow during one carnival event yesterday.
Mrs Anderson said yesterday's noon art session and the Monday sessions had been cancelled, but about 20 enthusiastic youngsters, and several parents and other adult supervisors turned up at yesterday's 2pm chocolate art session at the Dunedin City Library.
More youngsters were in action at the next session, at 4pm, moulding, wrapping and boxing their own chocolate creations.
About 200 young people also took part in a noon "Chocolate Fish Pool Party", hosted by Classic Hits radio and Moana Pool authorities, at the pool.
