Auckland lesbian body-paint artist Magdalena O'Connor, 25, has won the Pasifika Body Art section of 2007 Style Pasifika, held at Vector Arena on Friday night.

Katia models the winning work

In a move away from her penchant for creating creatures, she says she wanted to combine traditional weaving with Pacific fashion and produce a piece that was not simply a body painting, but also an outfit with a head piece and skirt.

O'Connor says her model Katia remained very patient despite having to be fully painted two days and nights in a row. "The painting took about six hours each time and was mostly done by hand, with some airbrushing for the finer points".

Westfield Style Pasifika is now New Zealand's major annual fashion awards show. A unique and iconic New Zealand event, Style Pasifika aims to celebrate the cultural diversity and creativity of Aotearoa.

Magdalena O'Connor with model Katia

She says she may now take a short break from body painting to work on sculpture, but already has ideas for her next body art creation - "and I'm always in search of adventurous, patient models!"

Sera Hathaway from Taupo won the Pasifika 'Hero' section, which was sponsored by the NZ AIDS Foundation and came with a pro-safe sex message. Bold and innovative design is celebrated in this category and Hathaway's aptly titled 'Look at Me' encapsulates that spirit.

Hathaway was inspired by the Pacific gay community and the garment is designed to reflect "their high spirits and individuality". The flamboyant and glittering style is characterised by the eye-catching wooden necklace emblazoned with the garment's title.