The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) has revealed which six local designers will vie for the Tiffany & Co. National Designer Award.
The finalists - Bùl (VIC), Christina Exie (VIC), Haryono Setiadi (NSW), Livia Arena (VIC), Pageant (VIC) and Strateas.Carlucci (VIC) – will present their latest collections at a VIP presentation at this year’s festival.
The 2014 winner will be selected by a judging panel comprising: VAMFF CEO Graeme Lewsey, and managing director of Tiffany & Co., Glen Schlehuber, Harper’s Bazaar editor, Kellie Hush, David Jones group executive – merchandise, Donna Player and 2013 award winner, From Britten.
The announcement will be preceded by a specially curated short documentary showcasing the finalist’s collections and screened at the Tiffany & Co. flagship Melbourne store alongside the 2014 trophy.
The award, now in its 18th year, will see the winner receive a $10,000 cheque from Tiffany & Co. in addition to a custom designed trophy and a pop-up store at Westfield Doncaster for the duration of one month.
The prize package will also include a private behind the scenes tour of the Tiffany & Co. New York flagship store and design workshop, legal services from K&L Gates and a coveted piece from Tiffany & Co.
Harper’s Bazaar fashion director, Thelma McQuillan will also style the winner’s lookbook for the following season.
The Tiffany & Co. National Designer Award recognises designers in their early stages of business, who excel in creative design and quality and who demonstrate potential for growth and development within the industry.