Natural Fibre Awards to showcase region’s creative flair

Designers using natural fibres in their creations are encouraged to enter for the prestigious 2023 Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards to be held in September.

The Australian Made Business Award was a new award introduced at last year’s competition, creating excitement among designers and won by Albury artist Jo Woods with a unique linen dress featuring her sketches of Riverina town streetscapes. 

Sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga for $500, the award will again be showcased at the 18^th annual Henty Natural Fibre Awards at the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days. It comprises four parts worth 25 points each – fibres grown in Australia (may use more than one fibre), fibres manufactured in Australia, designed in Australia (mandatory) and garment manufactured in Australia. Successful entrants need to meet a minimum of three of the categories to be eligible. 

Boasting prizes valued at around $5500, the fashion awards have grown into a prestigious event attracting high profile designers, with the 2023 entries to be paraded in the Country Lifestyle pavilion on September 19-21 at 1pm each day.

Awards convenor Lyn Jacobsen said the Business Development Award was creating excitement among designers with new entrants planning on participating.

“Since the field days are located within a major wool and fibre producing region, it was important an event be carried on to encourage designers to showcase their creativity using the fibres allowed,’’ Mrs Jacobsen said.

“This competition is free and open to all designers, but the fabric in the garment must be at least 70 per cent natural fibre, which can be wool, cotton, alpaca, silk, linen or combinations. Leather is not classed as a natural fibre and can only be added as a trim.

“Garments are judged on visual appeal, creativity and innovation.’’

To be announced on the final day, the winner of the best garment made with natural fibres will receive $1000 in prize money plus a Bernina 325 sewing machine valued at $1499, courtesy of Bernina Australia and Sew Fab, Narrandera.

The winners of the best knitted or crocheted garment will receive $500 donated by Fox & Lillie Rural, while the millinery and accessory winners will receive $500 each sponsored by Henty Machinery Field Days. 

Bernina Australia and Sew Fab are donating a Bernette 44 Funlocker valued at $750 as an encouragement award for the best garment by a student designer.

People interested in entering the awards can contact Lyn Jacobsen on 0428 690 222, email naturalfibre@hmfd.com.au or phone the HMFD office on (02) 6929 3305.