iD judges cut ‘incredible talent’ down to 40 finalists

The "astounding" standard of entrants for the 17th iD International Emerging Designer Awards has made it tough for judges.

More than 150 portfolios poured in from 20 countries and yesterday they were narrowed down to just 40 finalists.

The successful designers will be announced next week and are expected to then submit a video of their garments, which will be shown to an international judging panel.

Head judge and fashion designer Tanya Carlson, of Carlson, said she immediately noticed how global consciousness had influenced the designers’ collections.

"You’ve got a certain age group of students from all over the world, but they have very similar threads, whether they’re from Finland or Australia.

"It is really interesting."

It appeared the Covid-19 pandemic had also had an impact on the fashion world, with a common theme of utilitarian and "protective" designs.

Most of the garments were gender fluid and did not fit particular categories, she said.

"As usual, [there is] incredible talent.

"It is really inspiring."

Fashion designers Tanya Carlson (front right) and Donna Tulloch assess iD International Emerging...
Fashion designers Tanya Carlson (front right) and Donna Tulloch assess iD International Emerging Designer Award entries yesterday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien.
Judge and fashion designer Margarita Robertson, of NOM*d, said the designs were "of our time" and had a strong focus on sustainability.

The collections were particularly special because the designers were not commercially influenced, she said.

"They can be as inventive as they want to be without actually having to think about sales."

Judge and fashion designer Donna Tulloch, of Mild Red, said that was also what she admired about the entries.

"I’m not looking for commercial ... You’re looking for innovation."

iD Fashion Week chairwoman Dr Margo Barton said the standard this year was "incredible".

"Looking at this today is just astounding."

She was pleased she did not have the difficult job of picking the finalists, she said.

First, second and third placegetters, and winners of the best sustainable collection and natural luxury with wool categories will be announced at an event on June 19.

That event will also include a premiere of a movie compiling the finalists’ videos and a live runway show, featuring the designs of 10 New Zealand finalists.

For the first time, iD has also added best New Zealand emerging designer.

molly.houseman@odt.co.nz

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