The Australians in New York Fashion Foundation has benefited from a strategic partnership with Woolmark, rebranding and taking its mission global.
The Woolmark Company has extended its sponsorship of the organisation to cover both the US and European markets.
This has resulted in a rebrand to the Australian Fashion Foundation.
The Foundation traditionally offers an annual internship prize comprising a six month placement, return plane tickets to New York and a $25,000 financial grant.
Its new direction was revealed at a function in One Moncur in Sydney yesterday evening, where the 2012/13 winners were also announced.
Melbourne-based RMIT womenswear design graduate Natasha Fagg and Perth-based menswear designer Tim Watson were both awarded $20,000 and placement in either the US or Europe.
Australian Fashion Foundation co-founder Malcolm Carfrae, also the executive vice president of global communications for Calvin Klein, praised the winners.
"Natasha and Tim are the future of Australian fashion. Their submissions showed expert use of technology, design skill and innovation."
Judges present at the event included Carfrae, Conde Nast Asia's Nancy Pilcher, Vogue Australia fashion director Jill Davison, designer Dion Lee and stylist Romy Frydman.
myTheresa.com's Anthony Kendal and Woolmark's Kara Hurry were also on the panel and will head up the London operations of the organisation.
The Woolmark Company chief strategy and marketing officer Robert Langtry said it was a successful partnership.
“Their objectives align with our own, we believe in supporting the future leaders of our creative industries and the broadening of the partnership into Europe will tap into a vast network of Australian talent that is thriving across the globe.”
The two firms also partnered for The Australian Five earlier this year, a showcase of local designer talent in New York from January 24 to 27.
Magdalena Velevska: AW12 shown as part of The Australian Five.
