Seven lucky number for LMFF

MELBOURNE: Seven Australian fashion personalities have made the cut as finalists in the 2008 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) Designer Awards.

Previos finalist Gail Sorronda, the designers behind cult label Antipodium, Carl Knapp, Friedrich Gray, the Manning sisters from womenswear label Manning Cartel, Therese Rawsthorne, Melbourne label Thurley and former finalist Gail Sorronda have been named as the chosen few in line for the crown.

Judged by a diverse panel of fashion industry heavyweights, the winner will be presented with a $10,000 cheque and commemorative award. The winning designer will also be flown to either Premier Vision (Paris) or Pitti Filati (Florence) as a guest of naming rights sponsor Woolmark for networking and further business opportunities.

LMFF festival director Karen Webster said selecting this year's finalists was difficult due to the high calibre of the entrants.

"The attention to detail and creativity presented were remarkable. Whoever wins will be a talent to be reckoned with."

The winner will be announced during LMFF which runs March 2 to 9.