Marie Galloway designed this piece for the Hokonui fashion competition

Melanie Lardelli-Muir’s “No shrinking voilet” collection modelled by Katy, Sarah, Melanie and Izzy

There were nerves aplenty but loads of designs that wowed the sell-out crowd at the EIT Tairawhiti 2012 Fashion Fusion.

Amongst the 180-strong patrons was the highly successful international designer Sheryl May, who described the fashion show as “most impressive”.

“There are some beautiful garments and I can see excellent workmanship,” said May, who was just back from a stint in London.

Fashion apparel course tutor Gretchen Ivess said she couldn’t be more proud of her six second year and three first year students.

“What a great night,” she said. “These graduates are as good as anything I have ever seen in all my teaching career.”

Ivess said she continued to be “really impressed” by the workmanship and inventiveness of the students.

Kayla Ireland’s grecian inspired entry into Cult Couture, Auckland

Amelia Reid’s collection designed for young women inspired by the punk movement

The whole show – which included 28 models – was put together by the students, headed by Amelia Reid, with tutors “just following instructions”.

“They have all learned a lot and put into practice what they have seen over the two years.”

And the year one students would have been soaking in everything they could in readiness for their expected efforts this year.

Jemma Green’s final collection inspired by the 60’s