Head judge Belinda Watt, judging the creative journals.
The Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Awards are heating up as the judges are announced and finalists chosen.
With an array of expertise, the judging panel includes representatives from Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Business World Travel, RUBY, Newmarket Business Association, Servilles and Purfex.
Also in the judging lineup and adding some serious fashion credentials are Remix Fashion Editor Kylie Cooke, jeweller Greg Holland and New Zealand designer Vicki Taylor, each bringing a distinguished eye for trends to the mix.
A major supporter of the awards since its inception, Vicki Taylor of taylor boutique see’s the value in fostering young talent and highly enjoys mentoring the senior winner:
“It's an honour to once again be part of the Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Awards – it’s been so rewarding to see the event go from strength to strength. We're looking forward to inviting the winner into our workroom; we find it's a great way to help themunderstand the industry and to see how things are done.”
Head judge Belinda Watt, Head of Department of Fashion Design at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design says, the calibre of this year’s finalists are high and show creativity:
“It is always really exciting to open the boxes of journals and this year some of the young designers have experimented with creative textures through fabric manipulation, origami and dye techniques. I can’t wait to see the final designs and really believe we have some talented New Zealand designers in the works.”
This year’s competition is made up of two categories; the Junior (16-17 years) and Senior (18-19 years), with a variety of prizes in each to encourage and nurture talent.
The senior winner will receive a two-year scholarship for Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, a two-week internship with taylor boutique and a trip to Australian Fashion Week with M.A.C, while the junior winner will get hands-on designer experience with a two-week internship at RUBY and Liam’s head office, among other rewards.
People’s Choice Voting will commence 25th August 2014 via www.facebook.com/newmarketexperience. The final awards night will be held on 1st October 2014.