Discount department store Target has revealed the recipient for “one of the most lucrative fashion prizes in Australia”.
The retailer has confirmed RMIT University fashion graduate Gabrielle Brown as the winner of the inaugural Target Graduate Design Award.
The award, described as “one of the most lucrative fashion prizes in Australia” will see Brown receive a $25,000 prize along with the opportunity to design a capsule collection for the ‘Designers For Target’ program.
Target selected Brown, 23, from the 12 finalists of the 2014 Virgin Australian Melbourne Fashion Festival National Graduate Showcase, of which they are presenting partner.
Brown completed a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) at RMIT University last year and her winning womenswear collection, Kinesis, explores the fusion of modern design and technology with movement.
Finalists for Target’s Graduate Design Award were shortlisted by a popular vote via an online poll on Target’s website, and by key criteria including design that is reflective of trend, and is appropriate to the Target customer.
Brown’s winning collection was then selected by a panel of judges, including Target managing director Stuart Machin and Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Graeme Lewsey.
Commenting on Brown's win, Machin, said the company is committed to supporting emerging local fashion designers and thrilled to offer the winning graduate the once-in-a-lifetime career boost.
“Gabrielle’s collection featuring flowing silhouettes with 3D printing was innovative and a standout on the runway,” he said.
“Over many years, we have successfully collaborated with fashion designers locally and internationally through the ‘Designers for Target’ program, and Gabrielle is a serious talent, who will be joining this exclusive list.
“We are excited to see the creative energy and ideas that she will bring to her capsule collection.”
“As an Australian company who has been a leader in retail in this country for over 80 years and is today part of over 300 communities, we are very proud to invest in the future of the local fashion industry, and to help fantastic young designers like Gabrielle launch their career.”
The ‘Designers for Target’ program has previously seen the retailer work with international fashion designers such as Stella McCartney and Roberto Cavalli and most recently announced a Petites collection with Australian fashion and music icon, Dannii Minogue.