British fashion icon to attend Dunedin’s iD Awards

British fashion icon to attend Dunedin’s iD Awards

Style icon and twice crowned British Fashion Journalist of the Year, Hilary Alexander, will attend next year’s iD International Emerging Designer Awards in the prestigious role of guest judge.

The New Zealand-born fashion legend – who recently retired from her long-standing role as fashion director of Britain’s Daily Telegraph and looks set to host at least one reality fashion TV show – says she is excited by the opportunity to be part of what has become a must-see on the international fashion calendar.

“I have been hearing about the iD Awards in Dunedin for several years and am really thrilled to be invited to be a guest judge. Emerging talent schemes such as these are a real 'fashion laboratory' where all kinds of excitement can be conjured up. I can't wait to see what will be invented and unveiled," says Hilary.

Next year’s iD Awards, which will be held in Dunedin on Thursday 29 March, 2012, marks the eighth year of this iconic international fashion competition. Attracting entries from some of the world’s most prominent fashion schools, finalists will compete for the title of ‘emerging designer’.

Providing an international platform for rising local and international fashion design talent, award winners and finalists have gone on to show in New York and Milan, showcasing their cutting-edge collections and gaining further professional catwalk experience and networking opportunities. Prizes include NZ$5000 for first place, $3000 for second and $1000 for third. Special prizes, such as the Mittelmoda Award, are yet to be announced.

iD Dunedin Fashion Week Committee Chair Susie Staley, says she is excited to have Hilary on board.

“Hilary brings a wealth of fashion industry experience to the awards. She has mixed with top designers including Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Zandra Rhodes [a guest judge in 2010] and the late Alexander McQueen,” says Susie.

“Being a regular attendee in the front row at fashion weeks from Paris, London and Milan to Pakistan, Hilary may spot the next rising star to emerge from our attending finalists.”

Applications are now open for these prestigious awards. Designers must be recent graduates (within the past five years) or final-year students enrolled in a recognised diploma, BDes, BA, MA Jewellery, or other fashion-related course.

Organising Committee member Margo Barton urges all emerging designers to get their entries in now.

“This could be the next big step in your fashion career, so get your fashion designs out there and be noticed by one of the best in the industry,” says Margo.

Applications must be received by Wednesday 30 November, 2011 – visit www.idfashion.co.nz to download an entry form.

Opportunities exist for sponsors to come forward and support iD Dunedin Fashion Week, as the organising committee is still seeking funding to run the 2012 event to its full capacity.

ENDS

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