Frances Howie of New Zealand wins URBAN FUSION Smirnoff International Fashion Awards 2001
TORONTO, Nov. 30 /CNW-AsiaNet/ --
Frances Howie of New Zealand was awarded the prestigious title of Smirnoff Designer of The Year at the 17th annual
Smirnoff International Fashion Awards. This spellbinding multimedia Smirnoff Urban Fusion experience showcased eleven
young designers from countries across the globe at Kool Haus in Toronto, before a crowd of more than a thousand people.
The Urban Fusion designs, models, music and dance performances assailed the senses creating a fantastic club experience
more expansive than traditional fashion pageantry. The high energy level prevailed throughout the night, with headlining
dj David Morales, pioneer of NYC house, closing the party down at 4:00a.m.
The most sought after student fashion award in the world, the Smirnoff Awards involve students from every continent
competing to win the Grand Prize including a cash bursary of pnds stlg 15,000, automatic acceptance into the renowned
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, England, sponsorship of the student's graduating show and
public relations representation for one year, a prize totaling pnds stlg 50,000.
Howie's winning designs are a virtual patchwork of contrasting cultures and identities. She incorporated tribal prints,
graffiti, bolded stripes on Lurex knits and woven textiles, a stunning combination that reflected the New Zealand
culture fused with global urbanity.
Smirnoff's URBAN FUSION second prize was awarded to Estabiliz Pecharroman from Spain and third prize to Colette Moore
from the Republic of Ireland.
All of the participants affected the judges with the purity of their creations, and the final decision was difficult to
make. "We are proud and thrilled for Frances as we are for all the other finalists who have displayed outstanding
creativity," said David Racicot, Director, Global Marketing, The Smirnoff Company.
The esteemed panel of judges included Haydain Neale, lead singer for jacksoul, Lana Ogilvie, model/actress, Todd Lynn,
designer, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg interior design team of Yabu Pushelberg, Bonnie Brooks, General Manager for
Dickson Concepts, and Jeanne Beker, Host and Voice of Fashion Television and the Fashion Television Channel.
Smirnoff funds and wholly owns the Awards, providing ongoing support and contribution to the international fashion
industry. Net proceeds from last night's Smirnoff's URBAN FUSION event will go to the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT).
For further information: Clara Northcott/ Antonella Giannone, Northcott Communications Inc. (416) 504-4405
SOURCE: Smirnoff International Fashion Awards;