Australian designer Alex Perry has selected four finalists who will vie for the opportunity to work with him as part of Electrolux Fashion Apprentice 2011 contest.
As reported in Ragtrader [July 1], the competition – a partnership between Perry and Project Runway sponsor Electrolux – launched online on July 1, with an offer to all aspiring fashion designers nationwide.
The competition, which is part of a scholarship program to encourage budding fashion talent in Australia, will grant the winner a six-month, paid apprenticeship with Perry and his team in his Sydney-based studio.
As part of the paid apprenticeship, the winner will also accompany Alex and his team during day-to-day duties, such as assisting with the development of dresses in the studio workroom, sourcing fabrics, meeting clients and preparing for and working backstage at fashion shows.
The four finalists – Gavin Bradstreet, Carly Harman, Gregory Amore, and Krismar Idmilao – were selected from a field of more than 120 entrants from across Australia and will now receive $500 to bring their design concepts to life. They will then be flown to Sydney, with $1,000 spending money, to present their design to Perry in early November.
Perry said the calibre of entries was of a high standard and he would be looking forward to judging and working with the winner.
“It’s going to be a tough decision as all the finalists have real designer potential. But when I meet with the finalists, I will be looking for someone who can produce impressive evening wear designs, but also demonstrate a thoughtful selection of fabrics. I need to see that they understand how to use different materials and that they recognise the purpose of each fabric used for the garment,” he said.
“I’m also looking for someone who is passionate, has a strong work ethic and shows great initiative. It’s a tough world in fashion and you have to be willing to work hard.”