SYDNEY: Twelve fledgling designers have beaten a record number of entrants to emerge as finalists in Fashion Exposed's Debut competition.
The 12 designers were selected from a pool of 56 entrants drawn from across Australia and New Zealand, the largest number of entries the competition has received in its nine seasons. Each finalist will present a spring/summer collection at the Fashion Exposed industry trade fair in February 2010, competing for a share in a $20,000 prize pool.
The competition winner will also receive an individual location at Fashion Exposed next season.
Finalists for this season's competition will be divided into two categories - apparel and accessories. Finalists in apparel include Perth based designer Lauren Hung, who's Eve of Adam label caters to women aged 19 - 25; former graphic designer Jolet Ucchino (VIC), who prefers to use natural fibres in her Jolet label; Erin Grant, who creates high end travel wear under her label Voyageur; and Kiri Davis (NSW), who graduated from her Bachelor in Fashion Design in 2009.
Other apparel finalists include Laura McCormack of label Laura C (ACT), bespoke and luxury designer Danielle Hewitt (ACT), and womenswear labels Satu (VIC) and e'senk (ACT).
New Zealanders dominated the accessories category, with finalists revealed as Conform & Comply (NZ), Meadowlark (NZ), Dolly Rockers (QLD), and Chaos & Harmony (NZ).
Fashion Exposed will be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre from February 14 to 16, 2010, and will run alongside the Australian Shoe Fair and the Bags & Accessories Fair. Fashion Exposed is held biannually and is the largest fashion trade fair held in Australia.