Melbourne fashion design student Reginia Anzela has been announced as the national winner of the Design Institute of Australia’s Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA) in the fashion category.
The GOTYA program is designed to support and celebrate emerging designers and is the largest graduate awards program in Australia.
Anzela, a graduate from LCI Melbourne, said that she is thrilled that her work has been recognised on a national scale.
"I’m excited to be announced as the national winner of the Design Institute’s Graduate of the Year Awards.
"It’s a wonderful opportunity to have my designs recognised and hopefully a stepping stone into the industry," she said.
A piece from Anzela's winning UNTO collection.
LCI dean and principal and former director of Melbourne Fashion Festival, Karen Webster added that Anzela is a worthy winner.
"We are thrilled that Reginia has been recognised, she has a strong industry focus combined with sustainable practice in refined and elegant collections.
"She started her studies with a Diploma on our Indonesia campus and transferred to complete her degree in Melbourne; a truly global designer," she said.
GOTYA nominee portfolios were anonymously evaluated on their design excellence based on a transparent judging process and criteria.
Finalists were then interviewed by a panel of judges to determine their transferable workplace skills and predicted impact on the Australian design industry.
GOTYA winners have the opportunity to gain mentorships, win prizes, meet potential employers and receive acknowledgement and engagement from the design community.
The GOTYA winners were announced at a digital event on 01 October.