Models Sophie Peat, Aimee Kenworthy, Kate Fitzgerald,
Maddie Kelly wearing Nandita Gupta, of India, with the
judges silhouetted in the foreground. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Stunning, out of this world and often intricately
detailed designs created a spectacle at the iD Dunedin Emerging
Designer Awards last night, and showed why the awards continue
to grow in international importance.
Twenty-eight finalists from eight countries, including New
Zealand, sent their models down the catwalk at the Lion
Foundation Arena, in Dunedin, in outfits ranging from
three-dimensional dresses, to Oriental-style layered suits,
to dresses with sky-high shoulder pads.
Otago Polytechnic School of Fashion academic leader Margo
Barton said there had been a "quantum leap" in the quality of
design since the awards started in 2005 and "even a big jump
in calibre" since last year.
"This is absolutely an international competition with
incredibly high calibre of entrants and finalists. It's very
encouraging to see these young designers working and playing
together, building on their life experiences," she said.
The sold-out crowd appeared to relish each and every design
with applause - and laughter for the more wacky entries.
Jonathan Stern (25), of Israel, was awarded first prize and
$5000 for his collection "Variations of Masculinity". He had
studied at the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in
Ramat-Gan.
Stern said, in an earlier release, that he had decided to
enter the awards because as a graduate designer it was a
great opportunity to be part of such an event.
"I believe that every step in the long journey, when you want
to achieve recognition and success as a designer, is
important."
His collection of menswear covered a variety of different
looks - day and evening wear, detail and casual, high street
fashion and tailored garments. Wool, denim, lace, vinyl,
sateen, leather and cashmere were used.
Stern was one of three finalists from Israel.
Another Israeli Hani Sagiv was awarded third place and $1000
with her collection "Ventriloquists In A Playground".
Second place was Cem Cako, of Germany, who studied at the
Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium. His collection
"Salim-cil" was inspired by The Tuareg, an ethnic tribe of
the Sahara.
Nadeesha Godamunne of Auckland University of Technology won
the Mittelmoda Prize with her collection "Trompe L'oeil".
The prize gives her direct entry into the Mittelmoda fashion
competition in Italy, in September - a highly sort-after
position, as designers are chosen from more than 2000
entries.
Liz Ting, of Massey University, with her collection "Foe
Crossing" won the Pacific Blue travel prize of return flights
for two to Rarotonga.
The 28 finalists had been judged on Thursday by a panel
comprising fashion consultant Ross Gamble, fashion and beauty
editor for the Sunday magazine Katie Newton, chief designer
of World Francis Hooper, Stefano Sopelza, of Mittelmoda,
Italy and Margi Robertson, of Nom D.
Sopelza said Stern was a "talented designer" who had been
able to develop his concept in a elegant and mature manner.
Hooper said: "These designers are creative, inspirational,
uplifting and sexy.
"Its been a most wonderful and uplifting event."
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