Aspiring designers will have the opportunity to showcase their creative talents as the Frock On! fashion competition gears up for launch in Newcastle.
The fundraising competition, which debuted in 2009, encourages budding designers as well as TAFE and high school students to submit designs for a chance to win prize money, valuable exposure and experience.
Entries opened today for Frock On! Newcastle 2011, with a final deadline of August 24 for submissions and a gala parade by the winners scheduled to take place at the Newcastle City Hall on September 3, 2011.
The event, run by founder Vanessa Swilks and co-organiser Michelle Finlay, also aims to raise funds for the Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Hunter School and last year raised $40,000 for the institution through contributions.
Categories for the competition cover seven areas of design, including cocktail, red carpet, swimwear and beachwear, millinery, recycled threads, street wear, and a HSC Encouragement Award. A Designer Of The Year will also be named.
"There’s great prize money in all categories, totalling $7,500, including $1,500 for the Frock On! Newcastle Designer of the Year,” Swilks said.
“The community support we enjoy every year from the Frock On! event means so much to the students, families and staff at the school, and it's extra special this year because the funds raised will go towards kitting out the school.”
Recent winners of the competition include Chilean-born designer Carlos Bouman, who was crowned Designer of the Year at the Frock On Newcastle 2010. Bouman is currently completing his third and final year of study at Sydney Institute’s Fashion Design Studio and has also won the Dyson People’s Choice Award with one of his designs and was a finalist in the Chambord Shine Awards 2009.
For more information see: www.frockonnewcastle.com.au