Dunedin fashion designer Margi Robertson, with label NomD, won the fashion export award for growth in international exports at the launch of Air New Zealand Fashion Week in Auckland last night.
"I was so thrilled to hear the announcement. I was waiting with bated breath. It means a lot for the whole NomD team . . . this is very special," Ms Robertson said.
The award includes $30,000 worth of international travel.
Travel was a large expense for the business, and the award would allow her to take some of the NomD team to international shows, she said.
The growth category is open to any designer at fashion week.
NomD exports to Australia, Europe, United States and Asia.
The annual awards, established in 2004, provide two New Zealand designers with a significant travel prize so they can grow their export business.
Auckland designer Cybele Wiren was awarded a $15,000 travel prize for the development category.
The chief executive of Air New Zealand, Rob Fyfe, said the judging panel was "especially delighted" to award the growth category to NomD as it was a label from the South Island that used "uniquely New Zealand fibres".
"NomD's sophisticated styling has international appeal, so we're delighted that this year the label is a winner."
