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Fashion designer Robyn Brooks and renowned sculptor Adrian Worsley have been confirmed as judges for Fieldays Ag Art Wear 2015, to be held during Fieldays 10 – 13 June, in the popular Fieldays Theatre.

The competition to create a wearable art piece from materials found on the farm is a staple on the Fieldays timetable and this year’s judges will demand a higher standard from Ag Art Wear entrants than ever before. “We’re definitely excited to have Robyn and Adrian on board as judges this year,” says Wai Taimai, Fieldays Ag Art Wear coordinator. “With the reputations of both Robyn and Adrian as highly-creative and bold artists, 2015’s Ag Art Wear entrants will need to step up their game this year. We’re looking forward to meticulously-created and unconventional farm-inspired garments from our entrants.”

Ooby Ryn, the brain child of Cambridge-based designer Robyn Brooks, debuted eight years ago as a Verge Breakthrough Designer at Air New Zealand Fashion Week. The concept store opened in late 2006 and now stocks New Zealand and Australian designer brands. “I’m really looking forward to judging Ag Art Wear at Fieldays this year,” says Brooks. “It’s always interesting to see what concepts the entrants come up with and I can’t wait to see what original materials will be used this year.” “In the past, we’ve seen a lot of the same thing so I’m hoping entrants have really thought outside the square to come up with some really creative and original ideas.” In Ooby Ryn’s seven short years, Brooks has developed an impressive portfolio that is a testament to New Zealand design.

Whether it is a party frock, derby day ensemble or lingerie for charity, the one thing Ooby Ryn designs have in common is they’re proudly designed and made right here in New Zealand. Brooks grew up on a sheep and cattle farm in Onewhero and competed in top level showjumping. She studied a Bachelor of Media Arts at the University of Waikato and upon completion, moved onto her next venture in fashion. Garnering a reputation for her audacious design aesthetic, it’s almost inevitable that alongside the Ooby Ryn ready-to-wear range, Brooks has crafted a selection of highly sought after-race wear garments, perfectly complemented by Brooks’ exceptional millinery skills which continue to wow fashion in the field judges throughout the country.

Always up for a new challenge, Brooks utilises her love for eye-catching designs by exervising her design talents across a diverse range of styles. In 2011, Ooby Ryn was a participating designer in the Kidscan Fantasia Show at Air New Zealand Fashion Week, where she crafted two stunning lingerie designs helping to raise funds for disadvantaged children.

Renowned sculptor Adrian Worsley is the second judge on the Ag Art Wear panel. Worsley design and constructs unique sculptures from recycling scrap metal, tools, utensils and farm implements sourced locally and around New Zealand. “I am very excited to be chosen as one of the judges for the Ag Art Wear competition,” says Worsley. “I think competitions can really bring out the best in people and provide a great opportunity to showcase their creative talents. Originality, imagination and the true ‘love of art’ is what I am really looking forward to seeing in the entries this year."

Originally a fitter welder who moved into stainless steel and taught himself woodworking, Worsley discovered a passion for creating with recycled materials. Starting with furniture and cabinetry in houses, restaurants, cafes and vineyards, Worsley’s focus moved on to sculpture.

Opening his own gallery in Te Aroha, and developing his junkyard of raw materials into a treasure trove of delight, which displays as an artwork in its own right, Worsley now spends all his time there consumed in sculpting his works of art. Working with Worsley is not for the fainthearted, as pieces are often larger than life and usually have some shock value. Worsley is meticulous and this results in pieces that are bold, yet beautiful, with maximum impact, but on closer inspection you will see an amazing attention to details.

Key information

• Ag Art Wear consists of three categories for entrants to choose from: Designer Traditional – garments similar to what you would see on the catwalks in Europe/fashion week Avant Garde – a piece of art for the body with the wow factor Classroom Couture – designed to foster aspiring young artists and designers they can take on either style.
• Entries close 8 May, 2015 • Entrants will showcase their designs in twice daily shows during Fieldays, at 11am and 2pm in the Fieldays Theatre.
• Prizegiving and awards show will take place at 2pm on Friday 12 June, with MC Te Radar.
• Fieldays Ag Art Wear 2015 will feature shows by Wintec and Ooby Ryn.