MELBOURNE: The L'oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) has channelled its warm and fuzzy side.
Organisers of the autumn/winter showcase have announced that Woolmark will take over the role of jewellery giant Tiffany & Co in sponsoring its prestigious 2008 Designer Award. Pitched as an invite-only event which recognises excellence in design, the award has previously acknowledged high-profile labels such as Yeojin Bae, Josh Goot, Mad Cortes, TV and S!X.
LMFF director Karen Webster said the winning designer of the award will be handed a $10,000 cash prize along with a "money can't buy" networking opportunity. The winner will be flown to either Pitti Filati in Florence or Premiere Vision in Paris as a guest of Woolmark, where they will be introduced to the company's network of suppliers including mills and fabric suppliers.
"In an era where networks and contacts are vital for growth, this is an amazing experience," Webster said.
Other major developments to the 2008 LMFF schedule include an increased focus on youth and childrenswear categories. Event sponsor Stonnington will present a series of fashion collections for the children's and tweens markets – dubbed Mini Me and Show Off respectively – while discount department store Target will use the opportunity to launch its latest international designer range.
Webster said the event, which will run from March 2 to 9, would be extended across eight days to accommodate official events and to align itself with the launch of the Autumn Racing Carnival in Flemington and the finale of the Food and Wine Festival.
"Our connection to the arts is just one more thing that really defines LMFF as a unique fashion event on the global calendar," she said. "It is going to be a great festival."
For a rundown of speakers at the highly anticipated LMFF Business Seminar, pick up a copy of Ragtrader's November 30 issue.