SYDNEY: A designer who harnesses solar polar and a not-for-profit wool company are among those who have scored top honours in a fashion awards program.
The Sydney branch of The Fashion Group International (FGI) has revealed the winners of its 2009 Awards for Excellence, which aim to promote the work of those in the fashion, design, beauty and lifestyle fields.
Kaftan queen Camilla Franks was recipient of the Rising Star award ahead of fellow nominees, labels Subfusco and Morrison.
Bird Textiles won the award for Sustainable Design, ahead of sustainable clothing company Pure Pod and resin jewellery makers Dinosaur Designs. Bird Textiles designer Rachel Bending produces hand made garments, homewares and stationery using solar power.
Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) took top place in the Innovation Excellence category. AWI beat out Draggin Jeans and The Specialty Group for the award.
The top prize for International Achievement went to Perth-based designer Aurelio Costarella, ahead of companies Aussie Bum and Collette Dinnigan.
Sydney based designer Vivian Chan Shaw was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award for her more than 40 years of service to the Australian fashion industry. Shaw began working in the fashion industry in the 1960s, opened her first boutique in 1972, and has focussed almost solely on producing hand loomed knitwear since 1978. The designer's self-titled label has been stocked across Australia and internationally, and is sold from Shaw's flagship boutique in Sydney's Queen Victoria Building.
It is the second time FGI has recognised the work of Australian fashion businesses via the Awards for Excellence program. Winners in 2007 included Nearly Nude, Helen Kaminski, Signature Prints, DPK Australia and Nicola Cerrone.
FGI is a global non-profit organisation, founded in New York in 1930 and now with 38 chapters around the world. FGI Sydney has been in operation for over 40 years and aims to promote and assist the business operations of Australian fashion and design companies.