William Wepu-Hazel models Candice D’Acre designs at EIT’s end of year Fashion Show at the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale.
EIT’s IDEAschool students capped off their academic year at the Show Me Festival, showcasing their creative projects across art, design, music, screen production, and fashion.
Held at the MTG in Napier and on campus at EIT Hawke’s Bay recently, the event brought together students, whānau, and the community to recognise their hard work and achievements.
The week began at the MTG in Napier with design and screen production exhibits on Monday, 25 November.
Music students took the stage at the MTG on Tuesday, 26 November, captivating audiences with performances that ranged from R’n’B and soul to flamenco.
On Thursday, 28 November, the action shifted to the Hawke’s Bay campus where visual arts students unveiled their work and fashion students delivered a stunning outdoor show.
Svetlana Eliason, programme coordinator for both screen production and music, celebrated the talent on display and noted the “exponential creative growth” of the students, resulting in a high-calibre showcase”.
Ulrika Malmberg models Amira Malmberg designs at EIT’s end of year Fashion Show at the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale.
Design students presented an impressive array of projects, demonstrating both technical skills and conceptual thinking.
Anthony Chiappin, a Graphic Communications Senior Lecturer, described the festival as “the ultimate expression of showcasing their core skills developed over three to four years of study”.
He highlighted the resilience of students who had navigated remote learning and limited resources following cyclone damage.
“The work was extraordinary, especially from Level 7 graduate students, with a mix of illustration, graphic design, and miniature making,” he said.
Anthony also emphasised the value of the students’ connection to industry through internships and collaborations, including a partnership with Zhejiang Yuexiu University in China.
For art students, the festival marked a significant milestone, with many exhibiting their work publicly for the first time.
Senior Tutor Nigel Roberts described it as “a much-anticipated and also nervous time” for the students, particularly first-years.
“The pride they feel is mixed with the nerves of exhibiting, but as staff, we have a great sense of pride seeing their friends and whānau celebrating with them,” he said.
The exhibition featured works in painting, charcoal drawing, collage, and ceramic.
The outdoor fashion show, held on Thursday, 28 November, stood out with its unique figure-eight runway weaving around trees near the Art Block.
Fashion Discipline Leader Cheryl Downie praised the creativity and craftsmanship of the garments, including menswear created by second-year students that excelled in the Hokonui Fashion Design competition.
Bachelor of Creative Practice student Kirkland Craig showcased his art at EIT’s IDEAschool end of year Show Me Festival.
“The quality of the garments shown was very high. The outdoor setting brought everyone closer to the action, and it was amazing to also showcase additional garments produced throughout the year,” she said.
IDEAschool Head of School Sean Coyle said: “The Show Me festival has been a fantastic introduction for me of the incredible work of students and staff at IDEAschool”.
“It has given me a great snapshot of the talent and drive that exists here in Hawke’s Bay across all the creative disciplines we offer. I am excited to see how the work presented launches the graduates into the creative industries.”