Tess Tavener Hanks, a year 9 student at Cheltenham Girls’ High School, has won the Wearable Art section of the national finals of the Apex Teenage Fashion Awards. The finals were held at Sydney Town Hall, where the designs of the 48 state finalists were showcased and judged.

The awards are for students from 13 to 18 and aim to foster young talent. Tess took the childhood art of pompom-making to the extreme. She produced a total of 1784 pom poms to be used in her wearable art piece. The sheer weight of the pompoms were supported by boning, foam and hula hoops.

The Victorian-style corset was made from 14 different segments that were created by weaving ribbons, wool and braids and enhanced with finger-knitting. The garment was modelled by Tess’ sister Mikala, who also attended Cheltenham Girls’ High School. The garment was judged on visual appeal, design elements and accessories. Tess studies textiles and design at Cheltenham Girls’ High and hoped to pursue a career in that industry.