I was the Winner! 2016 Best Dressed Lady at Napier Art Deco Festival – Hawkes Bay Today

As war birds soared overhead and vintage cars cruised down Marine Parade, men, women, and children took to the stage to model their Art Deco best for the Costumes and Coiffure and Bathing Belles competition.

Hosted by MC’s Nerida and Shane Cortese, contestants put their best foot forward this afternoon as they strolled around the sound shell, and took a turn on the catwalk so the large crowd could see every detail of their outfits.

Judges Inger Sheil, Matthew Bonnett, and sponsor Glory Days Magazine’s own Rose Jackson picked the best dressed in categories ranging from best dressed child, best dressed group, to best original Art Deco costume.

Egged on by Mrs Cortese, the audience “helped” the judges choose the best dressed, with roaring cheers for their favourites.

From more than 20 contestants, Queenslander Chrissy Keepence won best dressed lady.

Ms Keepence’s winning Heddy-Lamarr-inspired costume was created by her mother in law, as a surprise for when Ms Keepence finished her cancer treatment.

“I nearly didn’t enter the competition but my friends convinced me.”

The headmistress of The Lindy Charm School for Girls was wowed by her first Art Deco festival, saying: “The city totally embraces its history, and its architecture, and its’ proud of it. It’s taken a lead which other towns should follow.”

Despite the heat the crowd grew with not a single empty spot on the grass, and spectators peering over the balustrades from Marine Parade to watch the competition.