Young designers wins Altus Scholarship

For Immediate Release

MEDIA RELEASE

1 November 2013, Dunedin New Zealand

Young designers wins Altus Scholarship

A Dunedin jeweller who has attracted the eye of British Vogue is this year’s winner of the Altus Financial Services AMP Regional Scholarship. Holly Simpson-Howe is an Otago Polytechnic graduate who’s company Holly Howe Collections was recently invited to join the prestigious design capsule ‘Not Just a Label’ established by British Vogue.

Simpson-Howe, who has 25 stockists throughout New Zealand and Australia, was ‘completely blown away’ by the win and is excited about how it will enable her to fast-track her business.

“The scholarship allows me to start building the brand and increase distribution which is critical for long term success. It’s a huge boost to the business which is only really two years old”.

Simpson-Howe produces three collections a year and says that the scholarship will provide more freedom to experiment with her designs.

“Materials can be expensive so you have to keep mistakes to a minimum and think about the commercial aspect of the design. It’ll be great to be able to play a little more with the next range”.

Altus business manager Jerry Pearse-Smith said that the judging panel were not only impressed with the range and depth of this year’s applicants but also with the level of creativity and design involved.

“Dunedin is fast becoming a hub for all sorts of designers. Altus is keen for the city to retain this talent and encourage design based businesses. Holly demonstrated a great deal of talent and passion, as well as a solid approach to business”.

Simpson-Howe will receive a $10,000 Altus Financial Services AMP Regional Scholarship to assist her in supporting and growing her business.

ENDS

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