Looking for the new international designer

1 February 2007 (Dunedin, New Zealand)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Looking for the new international designer at Vodafone ID Dunedin 2007

Who could be the next emerging fashion designer to make the jump from Dunedin to a worldwide label?

This is your chance to find out firsthand as tickets for the 2007 Vodafone ID Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards, and Vodafone ID Dunedin main show, go on sale 7 February.

Last year, emerging New Zealand designer and Otago Polytechnic graduate Shola Steele took her 2006 Vodafone ID Dunedin Awards collection to prestigious Italian fashion event Mittelmoda – and now works for international fashion house Benetton after being talent-spotted.

Her success follows joint 2006 Vodafone ID Dunedin Awards winner Lucie Marquis of London's Kingston University, who is now designing for Burberry.

Ms Steele was approached immediately after her show by head of design for Benetton's high end label Sisley, who felt she was the most ready to go into the industry, and told her that her collection could be put straight into store.

"I am working as a designer at Sisley in Italy, mostly in womens wear, and right now I'm working on the Spring/Summer 2008 base collection."

"I'm part of a special two year project where five designers from around the world are chosen to do language, business, and marketing, and given projects to present to the heads of the company at various times throughout the year. "

Vodafone ID Dunedin Chair Susie Staley says Shola is a wonderful example of "what can happen at ID Dunedin" and is a reflection of how important the Awards are to the city, and New Zealand.

Sue McGregor, Vodafone Head of Sponsorship says we are again thrilled to be a part of the Vodafone ID Dunedin Fashion Week, and are always keen supporters of anything that helps incubate New Zealand fashion.

Thirty-five finalists will descend on Dunedin – a remote outpost on the global fashion frontier – including designers from Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand, especially for the 2007 Vodafone ID Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards.

Dunedin is a tiny dot on a world map but a pulsing nerve centre of creative endeavour – an unconventional and individual city that creates and is created by unconventional and individual people.

The 2007 Vodafone ID Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards will be held at the Lion Foundation Arena, Edgar Stadium, Dunedin on Friday 9 March 2007 starting at 8pm to an audience of 700, with tickets $25, or $35 for a front-row seat.

Tickets are available at Ticketek, and a booking fee applies.
For news, information and fashion week events go to id-dunedinfashion.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media