Young Kiwi Designers To Judge Rising Creative Stars

Young Kiwi Designers To Judge Rising Creative Stars

Some of New Zealand’s most talented designers will judge a new generation of creative Kiwis, who are in with the chance to see their creations at New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW), in this year’s Brother Design Stars youth talent search.

Yu Mei designer Jessie Wong, COOP designer Kayla Jurlina, fashion designer Celine Chapman and award-winning creative and author, Fifi Colston, along with Brother General Manager of Marketing, Emma Crossett make up the judging panel.

Brother Design Stars gives young, budding fashion designers and creative artists the chance to showcase their talent and creativity through this year’s theme of ‘Shine Bright’. Now in its third year, the awards encourage youth in school years 7 to 13 to enter one of two categories (fashion and craft) for the chance to see their design on the runway at New Zealand Fashion week as part of The Graduate Show supported by Brother.

Emma Crossett says every member of this year’s judging panel has an inspirational story to tell of their own pathway to success.

“What we love about our panel is that they’re passionate, hardworking, creative New Zealanders, who all started out exploring their creative side at a young age. Having been on this journey themselves, we’re excited to see them share their advice and industry perspectives, and help to nurture this next generation of fashion designers and creative artists.”

Wellington-based designer, Jessie Wong, behind leatherware brand Yu Mei has first-hand experience as an emerging young designer, turning her love of leather into a NZFW success story. Wong who was picked up by nine stockists after a successful round of buying appointments at NZFW last year, is passionate about inspiring creative talent at a young age.

“There is nothing more important than seeing designers get a taste for the fashion industry early, so to be a part of a competition that gives young people the opportunity to be part of New Zealand’s leading fashion event, is very exciting,” says Wong.

She is joined by Trelise Cooper’s designer of sister label COOP Kayla Jurlina, who will judge the Brother Design Stars Fashion Award category.

Jurlina is back on the panel for a second year, having judged the entries in last year’s competition, including that of supreme winner, 12-year-old Ellie Goldfinch. Ellie’s creation is currently being reproduced (with designer credit to Ellie) for commercial sale in THE CO-OP stores in Auckland, due for release following NZFW.

Jurlina says she hopes Ellie’s success has inspired more young New Zealanders to follow their passion and enter this year’s Brother Design Stars competition.

“We were so impressed by the calibre of the entries last year and of course Ellie’s entry, which really was a stand-out. We hope Ellie’s story has shown young creative people that their dreams really can come true – and having the opportunity to have your design on the runway is a dream for any designer,” says Jurlina.

Registrations for Brother Design Stars are now open and will close on Friday 8 July with all physical entries received for judging by 5pmFriday 15 July, 2016. Winners will be announced in late August.

Young creative artists and designers in school years 7-13 can register for Brother Design Stars at www.brotherdesignstars.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media