A Wodonga TAFE student took out of one the top prizes during the 15th Annual Natural Fibre Fashion show.
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Reanan Toovey, 18, said she had no inkling she would be leaving the event the winner of the 2018 Student Encouragement Award.
Ms Toovey said she only entered because it was a part of her assessment for the certificate three in clothing and textile production course.
The Albury based designer won praise for her vintage sailor pant inspired outfit, worn by Billabong High student Tamara Stewart, 14.
“I didn’t think I’d win because it was quite plain,” she said.
“It’s awesome, just great.”
Ms Toovey has been studying the course for a year and said the win had given her confidence that she could succeed in the industry.
“It’s what I always wanted to do, I like fashion,” she said.
Country Lifestyle Pavilion coordinator Lyn Jacobsen said the competition draws entries from across Australia and internationally.
She called on Tasmanian to enter the competition so they could officially say they had entries from every state.
Mrs Jacobsen said it was one of the most popular and iconic parts of field days.
“Our seats are always full and people like to see what is in season,” she said.
Billabong High School teacher Narelle Morgan said it was tradition for students to take part in the parade, which helped them build confidence and gain skills.
She said this year the parade expanded to include girls and boys from year nine, ten and eleven.
“As country girls, they don’t get a whole lot of exposure to opportunities that city girls do,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for development.
“We have two trainers come to the school and they learn about posture and they learn how to walk.
“They learn how to pose and how to turn.
“They transform into beautiful models.”
Billabong High student Tahlia Francis said she jumped at the chance to participate this year.
“I was really nervous at first, but it felt good to show off local businesses and getting their names out there” she said.
“I like fashion, but mine is a bit different because I like a more sporty style.”