UTS students share joint award

SYDNEY: Elizabeth Chang and Lucinda Taff's dream of starting their own fashion label has received a $6000 kickstart.

The pair, both students at University of Technology (UTS), was joint winners of the 2007 New South Wales Business Chamber Fashion and Textile Award.

Set to follow in the footsteps of former recipients Becky Cooper and Bridgette Currer of 'Bec & bridge' fame, the duo received $3000 cash and mentorship support from NSW Business Chamber for their efforts.

Judging panel member Phil Butt, also the director of Sandler Shoes, said competition for this year's award was extremely tight with the panel unable to seperate the top two," Butt said.

"It was  impossible to seperate the tremendous talent of Elizabeth and Lucinda so the judges decided to award them both equal first places. It is wonderful that this industry continues to attract some very talented young professionals with entreprenurial skills and ability to develop fashion design businesses."

Runners-up Andrea Nettle and Anna Pearson each receive $500.