Local fabric house Tessuti Fabrics is on the hunt for budding designers to contribute to the fifth annual Tessuti Awards online design competition.
The event, established in 2007, is open to all lovers of fashion design, sewing and fabric, and this year will work to the theme “Linen and Lace – everything old is new again”.
Entries are now open on the official Tessuti Awards website until September 1, 2011 with the winner set to score a return trip for two to New York to the value of $5,000, and editorial coverage on DIY fashion and sewing site Burdastyle.com.
Based on a spring/summer trend brief of “simple, fresh and pretty”, the 2011 awards require contestants to design a dress in any length using a combination of linen and lace in neutrals, whites or a combination of both tones together.
Designs must then be registered, photographed and uploaded to an individual profile for judging, and selected finalists will then be asked to post their garments to Tessuti for the final round of judging. Winners will be announced soon after the September 1 closing date.
Run by Tessuti Fabrics, which has previously worked with designers such as Josh Goot, Marnie Skillings, Cue, Veronika Maine, Arthur Galan, Ksubi, Chanel, Missoni, Etro, the awards have kick-started the careers of past winners, including Natasha Dwyer (2008). Dwyer recently launched her own label, Arthur Ave and last year created the gown worn by Miss Australia at the Miss Universe pageant.
Colette Guanta, owner of Tessuti Fabrics, said the event was unique in providing opportunities for aspiring designers of all backgrounds.
“There are numerous design awards which cater to professional fashion designers and students and the Tessuti Awards aims to break down this barrier, allowing fabric lovers and sewing fanatics from all backgrounds to showcase garments and gowns alongside one another,” she said.
For more information, go to: www.tessutiawards.com.au.