Two design students from India have scooped the top prize at the World of Wearable Art awards in Wellington with a creation made of felt, which doesn't use a single stitch of thread.
First time entrants Yogesh Chaudhary and Manas Barve topped a field of 191 garments from New Zealand and 10 other countries.
Their winning design was a seamless cream-coloured jump suit, made of felt, with intricate holes cut out by laser, and panels linked together using loops of felt.
The students say they were already excited to win the open section, and never thought they would take out the supreme award.
A range of costumes from cactus bras to psychedelic marching girls paraded the catwalk and will continue to do so over the next two weeks, to sold out crowds.
The event is expected to inject $15 million into Wellington's economy.
