Ara dominates at Hokonui Fashion Design Awards

_{Holly Liberona's winning entry for the Sustainable Excellence Award}

Ara Institute of Canterbury delivered an outstanding performance at the prestigious Hokonui Fashion Design Awards held in Gore on Saturday night, with students and staff claiming multiple awards across several categories.

Among the standout achievements, Will Doak won the Mackersy Property Open Collections Award, while fellow student Francesca Favel secured the runner-up position in the same category. Finch Langford claimed victory in The Merino Story Open From The Earth Award, with Bronté Perriam earning a highly commended placement. In the Peroni Open Gala category, Savannah Lamar received a highly commended award for her entry.

Ara Senior Academic Staff Member and Fashion Co-Team Lead Holly Liberona achieved a double recognition, winning the New World Gore Sustainable Excellence Award and placing as runner-up in the same Gala category.

The Hokonui Fashion Design Awards, now in their 37th year, provide a platform for amateur fashion designers to showcase their work before well-regarded industry leaders. This year's event featured approximately 250 designs and was held at a packed Gore Town and Country Club.

The awards featured several new categories this year, including themes like Aotearoa, winter solstice, and preppy, along with an androgynous section reflecting current trends in genderless fashion. These additions were designed to keep the event fresh and provide designers with new opportunities for innovation.

Holly Liberona's sustainable design approach aligns with growing industry trends toward environmentally conscious fashion, making her award particularly relevant in today's fashion landscape.

“It’s always rewarding to see sustainable design recognised, especially in a space like Hokonui that encourages innovation and experimentation,” said Liberona.

“Our team works hard to stay connected to industry and to ensure our learners are engaging with the issues shaping fashion today, whether that’s sustainability, inclusivity, or new technologies.”

Liberona’s recognition for sustainable design reflects a growing shift in the fashion industry toward environmentally conscious practices. Her success, alongside that of Ara’s students, highlights how Ara’s fashion programme continues to evolve in response to global trends and challenges.

Mark McEntyre, Ara Portfolio Manager – Creative and Media, said the results reflect the hard work happening behind the scenes. “The fashion team works incredibly hard to maintain close relationships with industry and keeps a sharp eye on emerging trends, whether that’s sustainability, gender-neutral design, or new fabrication techniques. It’s great to see that work reflected in the achievements of our staff and learners.”

Ara’s strong showing at Hokonui demonstrates the value of a fashion education that’s both grounded in craft and responsive to change. With recognition across a range of categories, Ara’s learners and educators are contributing meaningfully to the future of fashion in Aotearoa.

Ara congratulates all its students and staff for their outstanding achievements and contributions to New Zealand's fashion landscape.

For those interested in fashion or considering a career in the industry, Ara's fashion programmes offer the opportunity to learn from award-winning staff and join a community of talented designers making their mark on the national stage.

Mackersy Property Open Collections Award
Winner - Will Doak, Ara Institute of Canterbury
Runner Up - Francesca Favel, Ara Institute of Canterbury

Peroni Open Gala Award
Runner Up - Holly Liberona, Ara Institute of Canterbury
Highly Commended - Savannah Lamar, Ara Institute of Canterbury

The Merino Story Open From The Earth Award
Winner - Finch Langford, Ara Institute of Canterbury
Highly Commended. Bronté Perriam, Ara Institute of Canterbury

New World Gore Sustainable Excellence Award
Winner - Holly Liberona, Ara Institute of Technology (Open Gala)

_{LEFT: Finch Langford's winning entry for the Open From The Earth Award}

_{RIGHT: Will Doak's winning entry for the Open Collections Award}