Abstract
Offering glamour, spectacle, opportunity and reward, the Benson & Hedges and Smokefree Fashion Design Awards were pivotal in the rising profile of New Zealand fashion. Established in 1964 the awards grew to become New Zealand’s premier fashion design event. With an open entry policy they provided a launch pad for aspiring designers and transformed amateur dressmakers into fashion stars.
When Dreams Turn to Gold showcases selected designs, film footage and photography that provide a changing view of the Benson & Hedges and Smokefree Fashion Design Awards over four decades. Extending from the high-style of the 1960s through to the 1990s and the emergence of a distinctive New Zealand fashion identity, the show includes works by major designers alongside personal stories of innovation and success, When Dreams Turn to Gold highlights the importance of these awards in shaping New Zealand’s fashion history.
Curated by Lucy Hammonds and Dr Natalie Smith, with curatorial support from Andrea Bell.