Rising stars for FGI awards

Morrison looks set to continue its year of industry accolades, with the Perth-headquartered retailer named as a finalist in the Fashion Group International 2009 Awards for Excellence.

Morrison will go head-to-head with womenswear label Camilla and unisex brand Subfusco for a key category in the Australian awards program, which is staged in Sydney every two years. The retailer cracked BRW’s Young Rich List this year with a turnover of $12 million for fiscal year 2009.

Womenswear designers Vivian Chan Shaw and Anthea Crawford have been named as finalists for the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with the owners of fabric supplier E&M Greenfield.

Other finalists include Bird Textiles, Pure Pod and Dinosaur Designs for sustainable design; Australian Wool Innovation, Draggin Jeans and The Specialty Group for innovation excellence; and Aurelio Costarella, Aussie Bum and Collette Dinnigan for international achievement.

Morrison, Camilla and Subfusco are all vying for the title of rising star, with nominated companies required to have between one to five years’ experience in the fashion industry.

Nominees must also demonstrate a sound business plan and design concept, a consistent record of growth and achievement, be able to demonstrate a degree of innovation, entrepreneurial culture and a willingness to “make a difference” to the industry.

The award ceremony is a ticketed event and will be staged at Centennial Parklands Dining on November 13. Fashion Group International is a global, non-for-profit organisation with 6000 members across 38 regions.

Management at the group’s New York headquarters include representatives from Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Vogue, the Neiman Marcus Group and Bloomingdales.