The Local Rag caught up with the Supreme Winner of the 20th Anniversary Raglan Art To Wear, Nikau Pinfold, to hear about her experience creating her winning entry, Over The Top.
Please introduce yourself.
I first took part in the Raglan Art to Wear as a 5 year old when our class made the giant bubbling crocodile from Margaret Mahy with teacher Matua Liam. I’m soon to be 14 and this is my fifth time entering and my first time as an individual. I have grown to really look forward to the show and always have my mind open to different wearable art ideas. Being in the show is a great experience; I learn something new every time.
Tell us about how you came up with your idea and vision.
I work at Dreamview Creamery on the weekends and noticed they cannot reuse their bottle tops.
The shiny gold colour of the lids appealed to me so I collected a bucket full and started playing around with joining them together in different patterns. Naturally they looked good in bold black and gold geometric shapes and I envisioned them as this chic and shiny Over the Top garment suitable for a night out at a glam fashion event like the Met Gala.
What was involved and how did you factor in the time required to create the master piece!
I started 3 months before the show; I am glad I did as it was time consuming scrubbing, screwing, drilling and wiring each top together and getting it to fit the body. I broke lots of dads drill bits in the process and used close to 1000 bottle tops.
Did you experience any challenges along the way?
I got pretty frustrated making the hat, the final one was my fifth attempt before I was happy with it.
Did it meet your expectations?
It turned out as glamorous as I could have hoped for a bucket of bottle tops; I especially like the detail of the back.
Are you creative in other areas of your life?
I’ve always enjoyed making things. I recently learnt to crochet and throw pots on the wheel. I also like to dance, paint and draw.
How was the experience of modelling your creation at the shows?
Being back stage is super fun. I get nervous before going on stage but it’s a bit of a buzz at the same time.
Full Results:
Children section: WING IT
1st: The Tale of two feathers by June Hanson & Lola Atkin
2nd: Aphrodite by Amelia Schnuriger
3rd: Rise Above & Burst through by Lucia Quilter & Zoe
Highly commended: Goddess of Rainbows by Jaxon McLean
Children’s SPOT prizes:
Whānau collaboration: Ma te huruhuru ka rare te manu by Whāingaroa Childcare
Funniest:Benjo the Curious Cockatoo by Zavier Mathis & Cade Skerman
Best performance: Hot Wings by Sophie Mills & Annabelle Gaustad
Section: FLOREST FLORA
1st: Nesting by Jo Tweedie
2nd: Between the Sheets by Robyn Marquand
3rd: The Mycelium Maiden by Kristel and Ayla Lindfield
Section: KALEIDOSCOPE
1st: Let yourself Shine by Farnanda Santoro
2nd: Reflection & Refraction by Mackenzie Faust
3rd: Journey of a thousand Buttons by Susanne Glessen – Prinz
Section: SUITABLE
1st: Over the Top by Nikau Pinfold
2nd: Dapper in Plush by Ridley von Ridley
3rd:Monkey on my Back by Rebecca Norrish
Spot prizes:
Whānau Collaboration: Kiwi Kaitiaki by C4 Class RAS
Best Performance: Pooh Bear Goes to Coronation by Bob Noble
Best Message: Kaleidoscope of Friendship by Audrey & Emma
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Pikake by Stella, Alliot, Ava & Zoe
CREATIVE YOUTH: Flowering Forest Fairy by Bella Alexander
TOP CHILDREN’S MODEL: Clara Anahera
TOP ADULT MODEL: Gia, in Meledrian Queen of Dryads, Guardian of the Forest
SUPREME CHILDREN’S AWARD: PIKAKE by Stella, Alliot, Ava & Zoe
SUPREME AWARD: OVER THE TOP by Nikau Pinfold
