Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design student, Kensa Munroe, has been named the winner of the 2025 Circular Design Award – Clothing Design Innovation Award and the winner of the Cotton Innovation Award presented by Mindful Fashion New Zealand.
Her winning collection, Deconstructed Heritage, was praised by judges for its craftsmanship, cohesion, and deep consideration of fashion’s full lifecycle.
Deconstructed Heritage was created from waste cotton household linen, an antique hemp mosquito net, and salvaged canvas from a stretcher and tent. Kensa’s collection blends botanical dyes, reclaimed textiles, and near-zero-waste cutting techniques. The garments are fully plant-based, with hardware designed for reuse and fabrics that can be recycled or composted at end-of-life.
Judges described the collection as “a beautifully made and considered design that stood out for its cohesive story,” celebrating its bold use of materials, wearability, and refined execution.
Untouched World founder and judge Peri Drysdale said the depth of thought across this year’s entries raised the bar. She added that Deconstructed Heritage gave the panel “hope that circular design is not just a concept, but a creative force for good.”
With Deconstructed Heritage, Kensa turns discarded materials into something enduring. It serves as a reminder that fashion can be thoughtful as well as innovative.
Her win not only celebrates her artistry but also underscores the growing momentum toward responsible, circular design in Aotearoa’s fashion landscape.
