Latest news with #RobynValentine
Otago Daily Times
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Pair back on wearable arts podium
Robyn Valentine with her creation — modelled by daughter Sophie — which placed second in the avant-garde section of the competition. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Fiona Pierce with her wearable arts piece Keeper of the Bees, modelled by Beth Harford, which placed second in the open adult section. Two Community House colleagues have placed in the annual North Canterbury Wearable Arts competition for a second year. Fiona Pierce and Robyn Valentine both received second place in two separate — and highly contested — categories: open, and avant-garde. Mrs Valentine said there was a "really high standard" of entries. "We were most pleased." Mrs Pierce's piece Keeper of the Bees was stitched together from recycled fabrics and Pak'n'Save bags. Incorporating a half hanging basket, in her design, Mrs Pierce loved how an idea took on a life of its own; "this one definitely did". "The Warrior Queen Bee is a messenger warning humanity of the devastating consequences of our actions on the natural word. "She leads her colony with strength, to adapt and thrive amidst the mounting threat of climate change, habitat destruction and pollution." Mrs Pierce is a beekeeper herself, and has a passion for those "tiny but vital" creatures, and their crucial role in our existence. After the piece was rejected from pre-selection in two other competitions, she said was a real "buzz" to finally get the garment on stage, and a thrill for it to place second in the open adult section. Mrs Valentine won second place in the avant-garde section of the competition with her piece Wintering. She said her art piece was made from reclaimed wedding gowns which had been dyed, distressed, and layered, before being carefully adorned with pre-loved jewellery and beading. "It reflects a season of emotional retreat: a time to rest, grieve, and gather strength." She said the piece was inspired by the quiet resilience found in stillness. "This work honours the slow, necessary process of healing after loss. "Wintering embraces the idea that stepping away is not weakness, but a vital part of renewal." The duo were now putting down their scissors to start preparing for Art in Motion, which would be Timaru's first wearable arts competition. The event would be held at Caroline Bay Hall on September 27 with two shows at 1pm and 7pm. Tickets are available through HUMANTIX, or through the website
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Have a go, organisers of fashion event say
Robyn Valentine's daughter Sophie modelling one of her costumes at the Australian Wearable Arts Festival. PHOTO: SUPPLIED An inaugural wearable arts competition is aiming to inspire locals to try their hand at fashion. Art in Motion is the brainchild of three workmates, Robyn Valentine, Fiona Pierce and Catherine Neill. Mrs Valentine said while entries had to be in by the end of May the pieces would not need to be constructed until September. "You can finish it the night before the event, if you want." The trio had created the competition as a taster for others to see how much fun wearable arts competitions could be. "It's so addictive once you get into it." Mrs Valentine said she sat in the audience at the New Zealand Hat and Hair Awards for years, wishing she had the courage to participate. The popular awards had been held at the Theatre Royal on the same weekend as the Rose Festival, and she said people paid "quite a bit of money" to attend. "And then I plucked up the courage to do it." She said when she saw her creation come out on stage, she was gobsmacked. "You know, when you get the lights and everything, even something quite simple can look really great. "We wanted to just bring an opportunity for people to have a go and feel the excitement and passion that we feel when we make something and it's on stage." For those feeling daunted about creating a complete outfit, the trio had created a category for something to carry or hold. She said the event would supply models for the category who would be dressed in black. Entrants would then be able to focus on a simple item like an umbrella, handbag, suitcase, hat box, tool or even a weapon. "I think that back in the day when the Hat and Hair was on, a hat was achievable for me, because it's just a hat, right? "It's one little thing. "It doesn't cost a whole lot of money for the materials, and not too much time." She said the item could be knitted, sewn or anything the potential artist could think of. The competition had great prizes through sponsors from around town. She said an entrance fee would cover the ticket to the show and photographs by a professional photographer.
