An Ōtūmoetai College alumnus and fashion designer has made the cut for the 2026 Resene Colour of Fashion competition.

Neon Rhind, 19, is a student at Whitecliffe College in Wellington, studying for a Diploma in Fashion.

The look she designed for the Resene competition was selected as one of the top 10 on July 3.

Students saw their designs worn by professional models and directed the portfolio photos themselves.

Their designs will also be presented on the runway at the Whitecliffe Graduate Showcase in Auckland and Wellington later this year, when the winner will be announced.

A $1000 cash prize gifted by Resene is up for grabs.

The competition brief was to “align the professional principles of contemporary fashion design with global runway presentations”.

Each garment entered into the competition was made from a silk twill dyed in Resene fashion colours.

Rhind used the Rudolph shade in her design, which combined her Scottish and Māori heritage.

She said her dress combined “traditional garments with a modern soul”.

“The sleeves are designed off the shoulder to represent the silhouette of kākahu [cloak], a significant symbol of prestige and cultural identity in Māori culture.

“For the smocked sash, the woven pattern is like the stripes of Scottish tartan. It wraps around the body, showing that to be immersed in both of my cultures is beautiful.”

A model wearing Neon Rhind's design (red) for the 2026 Resene Colour of Fashion competition. Photo / Natasha Boshkovski

Rhind said the layered skirt had the knee-length shape of a kilt.

However, it could be lifted to the hip to create more volume and expose the koru embroidery underneath.

“The lifted skirt symbolises opening up to see the beauty within you.”

She said the koru represented new growth and “finding your roots”.

“Designing and creating this garment is another step towards regaining my Māoritanga and owning my identity.

“This garment will be a physical reflection of myself for many years to come, and a great memory of my time at Whitecliffe.”

The Resene Colour of Fashion project began in 2014.

Since then, about 400 students and 2000m of silk twill have produced 400 garments.

Whitecliffe chief executive Dr Fay Amaral said the competition allowed students to work “at the intersection of creativity, industry, and professional practice”.

“The Resene Colour of Fashion project consistently challenged students to think boldly, respond to real-world briefs and translate amazing colours into compelling fashion narratives.”

Finalists for the 2026 Resene Colour of Fashion

Whitecliffe’s Auckland Campus:

Evan Alexander

Keiron Briggs

Astyn Fernades

Amelia Matthews

Cate Moyle

Tatarata Noo Katu

Whitecliffe’s Wellington Campus:

Cecelia Beaglehole

Rialette Bronkhorst

Lay Dia

Neon Rhind