Queensland talent bags award
HONG KONG: Aside from fashion gods such as Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld and his ilk, it's rare that designers get flown to and hosted by major trade shows for free.
Gold Coast designer Tristan Schultz has bucked the trend however, having scored first prize at the 'Design-a-bag' Competition in 2008.
Hosted by trade fair Fashion Access 2008 (March 31 to April 2), the contest was established in 2007 to encourage creativity and innovation within the bag and luggage market.
"This is the first time I've won a major international competition and it feels great," Schultz said.
Head accessories designer and artist for Gold Coast surfwear company Cult Industries, the designer took out the award in the 'Fit' (active/outdoor) category for his Canopy Trek Bag, a backpack featuring builtin sun and rain protection in the form of an expandable/retractable shade.
A basic version of the bag would retail for around $140 if it were taken to market, Schultz said, adding the offs of this had improved following his win.
His long term plan was to launch a company built on ethical, green design.
"There are certain companies that I really aspire to, such as US [active and outerwear] brand Patagonia, whose whole brand identity has evolved around the concept of environmentally-friendly design."
Schultz planned to capitalise on his trip to Hong Kong by making preliminary contact with key manufacturers.
"I know a lot of bag manufacturers through my work at Cult Industries, but for me the key thing is to find one that can assist me with research and development and possibly even funding."
The designer was selected by industry judges from more than 200 international entrants, who were required to submit digital drawings and explantatory text in one of four categories: 'Fit', 'Party', 'The Male Bag' and 'Dream Teens'. Winners wre awarded a trip to Hong Kong to attend the awards presentation ceremony at Fashion Access on April 1, with cash prizes from $US500 ($A550) to $US1500 ($A1650) awarded in some categories.