The CCO Next Generation collective.
There is definitely strength in numbers and a team of eleven students from AUT Fashion Design School have used their creativity and talent to win the inaugural Pop Up Now and 10 Days of Fashion in the City pop up shop competition. The collective are known as CCO Next Generation, and after all studying, working and graduating together from their courses they are creating a new range of clothing which utilises their unique ideas.
"CCO Next Generation was a clear winner in our opinion. True emerging designers whose latest collection oozes a real creative flair and distinguishing elements to their collection,"says Lizzi Hines, MD of Pop Up Now by Spaceworks. "We love that the group are eleven young talented New Zealanders all working together to create fabulousness and a commercial reality. We're thrilled to be working with such talented up-and-coming young designers and to be giving them the opportunity to shine in the very competitive industry that is fashion. A special thanks to Cult Furniture and Chancery for helping make this competition come to life."
The collective has won the opportunity to launch their collection at a pop-up store as part of Heart of the City's 10 Days of Fashion in the City. The pop-up will take place in the Chancery in Central Auckland and is designed by pop-up specialists. As part of the prize Pop Up Now are gifting design and a fit-out worth up to $4,000 with furniture sourced from Cult Designs. The pop-up store will be open this weekend from Friday 4th – Sunday 6th of March.
The CCO Next Generation collective describe themselves as 'Ex-AUT Rookies and high achieving students who collectively have garnered industry experience in New Zealand and internationally. They work as a small operating organisation with members all contributing to the running of the business and designs. Their philosophy is individuality and innovation achieved by being designer-makers and focusing on design development, utilizing unique materials, processes and techniques.' The collective are all about sourcing from New Zealand suppliers and craftspeople to produce 'one-of-a-kind pieces that will last the test of time.'
Supporting local talent is one of the most important things we can do as consumers, so if you're around Central Auckland this weekend we recommend you check out this new pop-up shop for fashion you won't find anywhere else.
Image from CCO Next Generation