7 Project Runway New Zealand designers have been announced!

The announcement of Project Runway New Zealand has fashionistas and reality-tv-obsessives alike, ready to put on their oversized sunglasses and
Judge. Some. Fashion, darling. 

Over the weekend TVNZ released the first 7 designers we'll be seeing on the show - and it is one hell of a mixed bag!

Everyone from a rugby player; to a stay-at-home mum; to a previous farm-hand, will be designing it out to become Project Runway New Zealand's first ever winner.

Let's meet them!

Beth Hornsby-Hunt, 31
Fashion Student from Auckland

Not one to stick to the norm, Beth considers herself “refreshingly honest”. Seeing fashion as a freedom of expression, some of Beth’s previous designs include; skulls, zombies, blood splatter and even a taxidermied duckling or two. 

Caitlin Crisp, 22
Retail Assistant from Christchurch

Everything about fashion makes Caitlin happy—it’s that simple. Her point of difference as a designer is that she tends to make pieces difficult to mass replicate, which is why she hasn’t started her own label yet.

Kerry Ranginui, 33
Pattern Maker from Whanganui

Kerry left Whanganui 10 years ago (with no money and a car filled with clothes) to head to Auckland and fulfil his dream of working in fashion. "I love that fashion challenges people’s perspectives of masculinity and femininity. I wear a lot of clothes intended for women."

Lenon Wakuwa, 27
Caregiver from Invercargill

With a background in womenswear, particularly in eveningwear and streetwear, Peni (pronounced ‘Ben-i’) is hoping to wow the judges with his usage of alternative fabrics. "I love to be able to tell a story through my design, and quite often I will call upon my Pacific culture. I like to take the traditional
and fuse it with a modern twist."

Massey Williams, 38
Alternative Education Tutor and Mentor from Christchurch

Growing up playing rugby and partying, Massey never expected to swap the sports field for a sewing machine. He ventured into the world of fashion after stumbling across a Picasso exhibition and being absolutely captivated. "My design aesthetic is mostly sporty at this stage. I combine a sense of utilitarian and
minimalism to try and create a character that is strong but subtle."

Nicole Schmidt, 28
Stay at home Mother from Hawke’s Bay

Describing herself as naturally chaotic, Nicole isn’t having fun unless there’s drama in her life—or in Project Runway’s case, the workroom. "I
like to mix fun playful styles with dark and sexy. Using lace and metal detailing such as charms, studs and spikes."

Peni Moala, 29
Retail Assistant from Arrowtown

With a background in womenswear, particularly in eveningwear and streetwear, Peni (pronounced ‘Ben-i’) is hoping to wow the judges with his
usage of alternative fabrics. "I love to be able to tell a story through my design, and quite often I will call upon my Pacific culture. I like to take the traditional and fuse it with a modern twist."

With such a diverse and unique cast of designers, we can't wait to see what they bring to the table!

As for the final seven designers, they will be announced Sunday 16th September, before the series premiere on Monday 1st October, 7:30 PM on TVNZ 2.