The L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) has crowned menswear label From Britten as the winner of its 2013 National Designer Award.
The award, presented by Tiffany & Co., wealth partner ANZ Private and supported by fashion tome Harper’s Bazaar, will see From Britten receive a cash prize of $10,000.
In addition, the label will also receive to a prize package designed to fuel the labels' future growth, including: financial and investment advisory services, legal services, courtesy of K&L Gates, editorial support in Harper’s Bazaar, and a 12 month commercial subscription to trend-forecasting firm WGSN.
Winning label From Britten, the brainchild of Alexander and Tim Britten-Finschi, clinched the top spot after beating out fellow finalists Kathryn Beker (VIC), Livia Arena (VIC), Lui Hon (VIC) and Michael Lo Sordo (NSW).
The Melbourne-based label’s philosophy stems from the utility and history of menswear, and have been described as “evidently complex and cleverly considered, demonstrating close attention to detail, finish and function”.
The judging panel comprised of LMFF CEO Graeme Lewsey, Tiffany & Co.managing director Glen Schlehuber, Harpers Bazaar fashion features editor Clare Maclean and 2012 National Designer Award winner Christopher Esber.
Commenting on the panel's final choice, Lewsey said From Britten was a stand-out.
“We are very excited to see menswear rise to the top in terms of creativity and business development. From Britten demonstrated such a solid presentation and on behalf of all judges, we know they are the ones to watch into the future,” he said.
For the first time, each finalist also received a $2000 cash prize from ANZ Private.
LMFF will run from 18 -24 March 2013. From Britten will display its creations on the Independent Runway presented by Yen and The Thousands, on March 24 at 9.30pm.