An overwhelming 17,000 votes were cast for finalists in the New Zealand Fashion Week NEW TALENT competition.

The competition voting took place over two weeks on the NZFW Facebook fanpage where people choose to “like” their favourite candidates in each category.

Let’s take a closer look at the winning entries:

Female Model – Claire Laredo / Christchurch

Male Model – Hunter McLeod / New Plymouth

Fashion Stylist – Alison Lewis / Christchurch

Hair Stylist – Vladmir Moiseev / Auckland

Make Up Artist – Asrita Singh / Auckland

The five outstanding fashion winners were chosen by the public and panel from 15 finalists that were posted on Facebook, each displaying four photos of their work and 100 words on why they should win the competition.

“The level of work that has been received in the competition is astounding and a credit to the creativity and dedication of today’s young fashionistas.

“The finalists were drilled down from close to 170 entries so these individuals have done extremely well,” says Pieter Stewart Managing Director NZFW.

The talented winners have secured their places on the dream team and will be flown to Auckland firstly to work on the shoot in early July, then again during September to attend Fashion Week.