For the first time in the history of the event, an international entrant has taken top honours in Alexandra's WoolOn creative fashion competition.
Kusum Bangari, a graduate fashion design student from India, won the supreme award for her garment Himalayan Drama 3.
Cromwell designer and chief judge Ann Lyon said it was the attention to detail that set Ms Bangari's garment apart from the other about 60 entries.
"It was such a unique design and the work that went into it was almost mosaic-like. So much detail and stitching work that you couldn't appreciate from a distance. It was also very wearable."
While she described Ms Bangari's work as a "stand-out piece", it was difficult for her and co-judges Carolyn Laing and Joan Leach to pick a winner because of the standard of work, she said.
Ms Bangari's garment also won the special occasion category.
Local entrants also ranked highly.
Retired Alexandra woman Daphne Randle has entered every year since the first WoolOn event in 2004.
This year, she entered five garments, all named after grandchildren.
Her design, Kensa, comprising white trousers and a black and white checkered top, won the knitted section.
She was unsure how long it took her to create it, but knitting was one of her main interests and she loved to come up with an idea and then figure out how to create it, she said.
Event manager Martin McPherson said, with entrants from India, Australia and throughout New Zealand, the event was gaining a bit of a reputation, which was encouraging.
About 650 people watched the garments modelled on a makeshift runway in the Dunstan High School gym on Friday and Saturday nights.
The event brought to a close the 56th Alexandra Blossom Festival.
Festival chairwoman Clair Higginson said she had been very impressed with both the festival organising team and with the participation of locals.
"I'm really happy that we are able to have this festival in spring to celebrate lots of iconic pieces of Central Otago ... the blossom of the fruit trees, then the garden tour, which celebrates our gardens, then the WoolOn, which celebrates our wool industry."
The winners were:
Special Occasion: Kusum Bangari, of India, Himalayan Drama 3. Sharon Gilchrist, of Alexandra, and Denise McGirr, of Naseby were highly commended for their respective designs Merino and Wool, It's a Special Occasion and Snow Queen.
Felted: Elaine Macgregor, of Waipukurau, Winter Rose. Laurel Judd, of Napier, was highly commended for Colour Collision.
Young Designer: Hannah Heslop, of Christchurch, Avalanche.
Streetwear: Viv Tamblyn, of Gore, Curvaceous. Sarah Beth Bell, of Waimate, was highly commended for Grace.
Menswear: Becs Calder, of Becks, Scottish Settler.
Accessory: Maureen McKenzie, of Balclutha, Shotover.
Knitwear: Daphne Randle, Alexandra, Kensa. Rosalie Harrex, of Alexandra, was highly commended for Shell Coat.
Avant-garde: Denise McGirr, of Naseby, My Ram. Helene Sunitsch, of Oamaru, was highly commended for You Dragon I Never Promised.
Supreme Winner: Kusum Bangari, of India, Himalayan Drama.
