For immediate release
Emerging Designer Awards: Platform for cutting edge talent
ED winner collection a'l'envers 2008 by sophie russo
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The 2009 Southern Trust id DUNEDIN FASHION WEEK: 10 March – 15 March, New Zealand
Applications from around the world are now open for the 2009 Southern Trust id Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards to be
held on Friday 13 March 2009.
The awards, in their fifth year will showcase emerging fashion designers and their collections who will be competing for
prizes and a chance to turn fashion dreams into fashion reality.
Event co-ordinator, Victoria Bunton said the event attracts an increasing number of international applications each
year.
"The awards are designed to recognise and reward cutting edge designers of the future. It is helps to develop
relationships between national and international rising designers, and help promote designers that will go on to play a
significant role in the fashion industry in the future."
Tara Viggo, an Otago Polytech graduate, 2005 Emerging Designer Awards finalist and winner of the special Mittelmoda
prize has recently returned from London, after working for a year and a half as a designer/pattern cutter with fashion
house, "Justina of London".
Viggo is currently waiting to renew her work visa and return to "Justina of London" to resume her position. In the
meantime, tutoring at Otago Polytech and helping students with their collections gives her the opportunity to share her
experience.
"The Emerging Designer Awards are the best possible experience a young designer can have as there is a lot of support,
media exposure and a great platform from which to "get noticed". To anyone thinking of submitting an application they
should just "go for it".
To enter the Southern Trust id Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards designers must be recent graduates (within the past five
years) or final year students from a recognised Diploma, BDes, BA or MA Fashion or fashion related course.
Applications must be received by 28 November by email or by courier to Dunedin, New Zealand.
Participating designers and details of the 2009 official week calendar will be announced soon.
For more information on how to apply and details on the 2009 Southern Trust id Dunedin Fashion Week, go to
www.id-dunedinfashion.com
Media enquiries: Merrin Bath, Publicist, + 64 27 202 0903
Photo credit: Chris Sullivan
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About The 2009 Southern Trust id Dunedin Fashion Week, New Zealand
With its youthful spirit and atmosphere, The Southern Trust id Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards are a launch pad for
emerging designers in New Zealand and abroad.
The id Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards was four years old in 2008, and is part of the fast-growing id Dunedin Fashion
Week that will celebrate its tenth birthday in 2009. The event attracts entries from graduates and final year students
from across the globe bringing with them show-turning collections, ideas and dreams of gaining exposure in a fast
growing event which is attracting fashion industry and media attention year on year.
Prizes will be allocated for first, second and third place. 1st Prize = $5,000 cash and sponsors’ gift pack. 2nd Prize =
$3,000 cash and sponsors’ gift pack. 3rd Prize = $1,000 cash and sponsors’ gift pack. Other special prizes to be
announced.
The awards are an opportunity for designers to launch their fashion careers from a unique city that has produced some of
New Zealand’s fashion icons such as Nom*D, Carlson, Cherry Cotton Candy, Mild Red and Charmaine Reveley.
The fashion week culminates in two major events; the id Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards; and the main show, held at The
Dunedin Railway Station.
The beautiful old stone Flemish Renaissance style railway station has been ranked among the world's '200 must-see
places' by a leading travel guide.
The collaboration between the fashion community, education and business, fashion designers, fashion workers and the city
started in 2000 and now showcases the best of Dunedin and New Zealand fashion.
Southern Trust id Dunedin Fashion Week is the only New Zealand fashion week designed especially for the public, which is
a result of Dunedin's inclusive and welcoming spirit. It is a non profit event run by a voluntary committee.
The 2009 id Dunedin Fashion Week has been made possible through a substantial partnership with The Southern Trust.
The Southern Trust, with its Head Office in Dunedin, is a not-for-profit organisation licensed to operate gaming
machines throughout New Zealand. The Trust's overall vision is to maximise the return of gaming revenue, for the benefit
of the community.
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