GOLD COAST: Dozens of fashion students face an anxious wait today as the second day of preliminary judging for the NRA Australian Fashion Design Awards (NAFDA) kicks into action.
Students across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast have submitted their designs in the hope of having their garments selected for the NAFDA awards evening which will be broadcast to a national audience on April 8.
The winning student designer will also receive a scholarship to the prestigious Paris American Academy July 2009 Fashion Workshop including accommodation and flights.
Established and emerging designers also play a part in the action competing in the ready-to-wear category, encompassing children's, swim/surf, lifestyle and menswear as well as the signature category which showcases couture, bridal, and fashions on the field entries.
This year marks the 28th consecutive year the awards have been staged with finalists from the preliminary judging heats going on to compete for the supreme award that offers cash and prizes worth more than $40,000.
Other highlights of the event include an Australian designer showcase, a national retail showcase and an icon spectacular.
The most coveted award is for fashion excellence that was won last year by Sydney designer Collette Dinnigan.
This year’s telecast will be co-hosted by Network Nine personality Cameron Williams and Lyndsey Rodrigues of youth network MTV.