The winner will receive a two year scholarship with the prestigious Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, an overseas fashion trip for two including accommodation and $1,000 spending money from Business World Travel and Qantas, plus a two week internship with top New Zealand designer Vicki Taylor at the Taylor design workroom.
Launched in 2009, the Newmarket Young Fashion Designer award has served to fast-track some incredible up and coming talent and helped to get their careers off to the best possible start.
Event organiser Donna Corbel from the Newmarket Business Association said “This competition is the only one in the country that really focuses on giving young up-and-coming designers a real start in what is renowned for being a very competitive industry.
“As New Zealand’s leading fashion district, Newmarket is keen to remain at the forefront of recognizing and nurturing young fashion talent to its full potential,” she said.
2010 winner Blair Wheeler believes the competition is a fantastic way to prove your ability and determination.
“I was really into fashion and wanted a way to prove to myself if I could do it,” says Wheeler.
“I entered the competition in 2009 and came 1st runner up, which made me even more determined to win the following year. I entered again and this time I did win!
“It was life-changing,” he said.
The brief for competitors in 2012 is to design an innovative and contemporary daywear outfit for today’s young urban man or woman using global events, popular culture, music, art and technology for inspiration.
The finalist’s garments will be judged by a leading panel of local Newmarket designers and experts in the fashion industry, with a showcase of the finalist’s garments at a gala evening in October.
A $30 registration fee applies; the official registration period closes on Friday June 1, 2012.
Registration forms and further information can be found at www.newmarket.co.nz