UTS Fashion design graduate Vanessa Emirian has been awarded $10,000 from the NSW Business Chamber.
The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry Award was established to encourage students to develop business skills.
Emirian she would use the award to develop her practice.
“I am really intrigued by the traditions and level of craftsmanship found in tailoring processes,” Emirian said.
“My practice is primarily concerned with contemporising and distinguishing where and how the traditional artisan might exist in today’s modern and visually vibrant fashion landscape,” she said.
Past winners of the award include Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston, who went on to found the Bec & Bridge label, which is now stocked across Australia and internationally.
Emirian has worked as a design assistant for the past three years at Sydney-based fashion company House of Quirky.
She has been involved with Spring/Summer 2014 and Autumn/Winter 2014 London Fashion Weeks as a design assistant to the Felder Felder label.
“For the moment I am really excited to keep learning and building up on my professional experience, which will give me the best chance for success in the future,” Emirian said.