The 2026 TOI Wearable Art competition looked a little different this year with the competition organisers selecting which garments would attend the showcase. In preparation, Northcross had a group of 50 students working on a total of 27 garments since the beginning of the year, in hopes of being selected for the big event.

On the 4th of June, Northcross held their own showcase where all the designers and models were able to show off their hard work to parents and peers. It was amazing to see the garments come together with designs from across the five categories: Stories of the South Pacific, Crafted Couture, Red, Depths and Heights, and Open.

Northcross had 10 garments selected to take part in the TOI Wearable Art competition that took place on the 10th of June. Fifteen very excited designers and models travelled to the Aotea Centre and spent the afternoon getting ready to wow the judges later that night. It was a fantastic evening and really highlighted the potential in creativity of our young ākonga.

The following garments received awards:

• Creative Concept: Ultra Loud by Amy Kim and Serena Ma
• Creative Concept: Just Turn on the Lights by Joni Ranum
• Excellent garment construction; The Red Viking by Zeke Johnston
• Innovative use of materials: Connections by Aliyah Meyer and Kayla Graham
• Outstanding stage presence: The Fractured Mirror by Isla Packer

Congratulations to every designer who took the time out during this year to create their garment. They worked extremely hard and it was reflected in their final costumes.

Thank you to Nicola Gray and Megan Richardson who guided the students through the design and creation process.