Brother Design Stars judges Margo Barton (left) and Abby Holland (right) on judging day. Image supplied.
The judging for this year’s youth talent search, Brother Design Stars, took place recently with Otago Fashion Polytechnic’s Fashion Professor Margo Barton, COOP designer Abby Holland and master crafter Fifi Colston making up the talented judging panel. The competition gives young fashion designers and creatives a chance to showcase their talents with the theme of this year’s event ‘Steal the Show’.
Brother Design Stars is now in its fourth year and the awards are a great way for those in school years 7 to 13 to get creative in one of two categories (fashion and craft). The finalists get to see their design on the runway at New Zealand Fashion week as part of The Graduate Show supported by Brother.
“There is nothing more I love than seeing Kiwis explore their creativity at such a young age so being a part of a competition that encourages that is very exciting,” says Professor Margo Barton, who teaches at Otago Fashion Polytechnic. “I’m honoured and thrilled to be able to share my knowledge, advice and industry perspective with this next generation of passionate fashion designers and creative artists. Last year at NZFW I saw first-hand what it meant to these young winners showing alongside some of the best fashion students across New Zealand. The opportunity to be a part of New Zealand’s leading fashion event is huge and will give them a taste of what could potentially be a university subject or career option.”
Margo was joined by Trelise Cooper’s design assistant and designer of COOP, Abby Holland, who judged the Brother Design Stars Fashion Award category and Fifi Colston who is a seasoned Brother Design Stars judge with four years on the panel under her belt.
Brother Design Stars 2016 finalists designs on models at NZFW 2016. Image supplied.
As a young up and coming designer herself, Holland applauds a competition that recognises the importance for kids to get stuck into craft and fashion at a young age. We chatted to her about what she was looking for in the entries and what being a judge meant to her.
How did you get involved in Brother Designs Stars and what does being a judge mean to you?
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to judge ‘Brother Design Stars’ after recently becoming the Designer of COOP. I am very excited to be involved in this rewarding competition. It is awesome to see the young talent coming through and their excitement towards the industry.
What will you be looking for in the entrants work when it comes to judging time?
I will be keeping an eye out for young designers who are pushing the boundaries, showcasing fresh and inspired ideas and who are not afraid to express their creativity.
What’s your favourite thing about working with young talent?
I love working with young talent as I enjoy helping them grow and learn. I can reflect on myself when I was younger, with the dream of being involved in the fashion industry. It is always inspiring to see their excitement and how eager they are to learn.
What are your top tips for those who are entering the competition?
Follow your inspiration and don’t be shy to try something new. There can be a lot of repetition in fashion, so push the boundaries and step outside of your comfort zone. Fresh designs are always the most exciting.
Brother Design Stars winners will be announced in soon ahead of their showcase at NZFW at the end of this month.