The L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) has unveiled this year's finalist line-up for its coveted National Designer Award.
The 2013 National Designer Award, presented as part of the LMFF event, acknowledges designers in their first five years of business and demonstrate potential for growth within the industry.
Five Australian design labels – From Britten (VIC), Kathryn Beker (VIC), Livia Arena (VIC), Lui Hon (VIC) and Michael Lo Sordo (NSW) – will vie for the honour, personally presenting their work to an expert panel.
The award has previously been won by the likes of Toni Maticevski, Josh Goot, Yeojin Bae, Romance Was Born and Song for the Mute, and this year will be presented by Tiffany & Co., ANZ Private and supported by fashion tome Harper’s Bazaar.
The judging panel will consist of LMFF CEO Graeme Lewsey, Tiffany & Co. managing director Glen Schlehuber, Harper’s Bazaar fashion features editor Clare Maclean and 2012 National Designer Award winner Christopher Esber.
Commenting on the 2013 instalment, Lewsey said he was “overwhelmed” by the calibre of the applicants.
“The festival is a champion of fostering emerging Australian design talent and is honoured to present this award each year. It is the country’s most esteemed fashion award and highlights the rich creative talents abundant in Australia,” he said.
To aid their development, the winner will receive a custom designed trophy by Tiffany & Co., and a prize package to help spearhead their label to future business success.
The package will include a cash prize of $10,000 from ANZ Private, financial and investment advisory services, and legal services, courtesy of K&L Gates.
In addition, the winner will gain editorial support in Harper’s Bazaar, a 12 month commercial subscription to trend-forecasting firm WGSN.
For the first time, each runner-up will also receive a $2000 cash prize from ANZ Private.
The winner will be announced at an invitation-only event on Wednesday March 20 at the Tiffany & Co.’s Collins Street store, with a supporting installation of the finalists’ garments to be displayed throughout the week.
LMFF 2013 will run from March 18 to 24.