Timaru, New Zealand-based Sarah Thomas, who has already won the Weta Award and the American Express Open Section at the Montana World of Wearable Art Awards, has won her third prize, the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by local broadsheet The Dominion Post.
   Her garment, American Dream, is modelled on a 1950s’ Plymouth car and comes complete with tailfins. Thomas had been inspired after visiting the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars’ Museum in Nelson, New Zealand. Her entry, according to the Awards, ‘celebrates the notion that cars are often regarded as female with perky tailfins, extravagant bumpers and mounds of well-placed chrome.’
   Her Weta Award win earlier this year was her second: Richard Taylor, who judged the award, did so blind, without knowing who was behind each garment. Taylor did not know Thomas was getting her second consecutive award till she appeared on stage to receive her award.
   The model who wore the garment on stage, Elyse Moore, also wins a prize. Voter Elizabeth Crowley of Havelock North, drawn from over 5,000 entries, wins premium tickets to the 2010 Montana World of Wearable Art Awards’ show and a luxury Nelson travel package including flights, accommodation and a classic car from the museum to drive for the weekend.

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