The fashion industry can rest easy knowing top young talent is on its way, as showcased by the winners of last Friday's Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Awards (NYFD).
Seventeen year-old Tanya Kerr took out Top People's Choice Vote and Best Overall Journal as well as Supreme Senior Winner with her sculptural wooden garment inspired by Balenciaga. The aspiring designer was over the moon with her win and said she could not wait to go to Australian Fashion Week as part of her prize.
Tanya Kerr – Top People's Choice Vote, Best Overall Journal as well as Supreme Senior Winner
Judges praised her impressive design process and creative final design which successfully translated the style of Balenciaga. It was a beautiful execution that deserved the winning title, they added.
As part of the Supreme Winner prize, Tanya will receive a two-year scholarship for Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design and a two-week internship with New Zealand designer Vicki Taylor.
Clara Wigmore was awarded the Junior Winner with her design which included a full ensemble of pants, shirt, sweater and coat inspired by Chanel.
Clara Wigmore – Junior Winner
She was awarded Junior Winner based on her journal which demonstrated a creative process with well-considered ideas. Her creation showed a good balance of innovative design and commercial viability with sophisticated construction, said the judges.
Clara's prize will include a two-week internship at RUBY and Liam's workshop, as well as a gift voucher from NZ Pleaters.
NYFD 2010 winner Blair Wheeler stole the spotlight with MC Shannon Ryan wearing his design – a stunning leather look dress. Blair, now in his third year of fashion studies at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design, was pleased to be involved in the competition once again.
"The Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Awards are really helping growth and interest in the fashion industry. We need events such as this to encourage young players."
Thirty-five finalists took part in the fifth Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Awards which took place at Auckland's Centennial Theatre.
A total of sixteen 15-16 year-olds had their entries judged in the junior category, and nineteen 17-18 year-olds were judged in the senior category. These 35 finalists were chosen from more than 200 initial entrants into the competition.