Upcoming Talent Shines in Brother Design Stars Awards

Upcoming Talent Shines in Brother Design Stars Awards

Two rising fashion and design stars have taken out top honours in the inaugural 2014 Brother Design Stars competition.

Fourteen-year-old Zoe Beck, of Te Puna, Tauranga, won the Brother Design Stars Fashion Award with her unique upcycled outfit made from op shop treasures, while 16-year-old Lydia Gilmour, of Welcome Bay, Tauranga, took out the Brother Design Stars Craft Award with an Anna Stretton-inspired hot water bottle cover made from men’s ties.

Open to those in school years 7 to 13, Brother Design Stars invited talented young designers and creative artists to submit a crafted hot water bottle cover or fashion design garment in categories defined by an overall theme of ‘Use Old, Create New.’

Zoe’s winning fashion garment, “Crossed Paths” was created from a range of up-cycled materials and followed the idea of East meets Western culture. Zoe used four individual pieces of recycled clothing, all different fabrics, which she re-styled and combined to create her winning outfit.

The judges commented that Zoe’s design integrated the theme in an innovative way, and that they were impressed by the shape and texture of her garment, along with the use of recycled magazines for the beaded necklace.

“When I found out I had won the Brother Design Stars Fashion category I was so excited,” Zoe said. “Sewing is a passion of mine and I am excited to show New Zealand my talent and my fashion style which I think is very unique and different.”

“I can’t wait to travel to Auckland and check out the op-shops,” she added.

Celine Chapman, fashion designer and judge for the fashion category, described Zoe’s outfit as retro meets couture. “Zoe has created a very strong and empowering outfit which is well structured and tailored,” Celine said. “Her attention to detail and professional construction was very impressive.”

Lydia’s entry into the Brother Design Stars Craft category was a ‘beautifully constructed’ hot water bottle cover made entirely from men’s ties.

“I have always found textiles and craft really interesting, especially the concept of using old materials found in op shops,” Lydia said.

“I am incredibly proud of my hot water bottle cover and am looking forward to the amazing trip up to Auckland,” Lydia added.

Brother Design Stars Craft Award judge, and Wearable Arts designer, Fifi Colston, said Lydia’s hot water bottle cover was wonderfully executed from upcycled materials and showed excellence in design. “The beautiful craftsmanship of Lydia’s hot water bottle cover demonstrates huge promise for this young designer.”

“Judging this competition was one of the toughest jobs I’ve ever had to do. So many entries stood out for their originality, humour, use of materials and construction and I could see a real market for them here in New Zealand,” Fifi added.
Brother’s Marketing Manager, Emma Crossett, was impressed by the level of young talent from around New Zealand. “We’re thrilled with the inventiveness and originality we’ve seen in all the entries for Brother Design Stars this year. We believe it’s important to nurture this upcoming talent and we’ll continue to give young Kiwis opportunities to express their creativity.”

“We hope the upcoming mentoring opportunities with designer Celine Chapman will help Lydia and Zoe to develop their skills and see first-hand how a designer works” Emma added.

Zoe as Supreme Winner of the Brother Design Stars Fashion Award, has won a Brother NV600 Home Sewing Machine (worth $1,199), one-on-one mentoring at Celine Rita, a subscription to Cleo magazine, flights and accommodation to Auckland with her mother to accompany her, a professional photoshoot, and a $250 shopping spree at Spotlight.

Lydia as Supreme Winner of the Brother Design Stars Craft Award, has won a Brother ScanNCut CM550DX machine (worth $699) and an NS30 sewing machine (worth $599), one-on-one mentoring at Celine Rita, a subscription to Cleo magazine, flights and accommodation to Auckland with her mother to accompany her, a professional photoshoot, and a $250 shopping spree at Spotlight.

With Zoe and Lydia both attending Tauranga Girls High School, the school has won 5 Brother NS10 and JS1410 sewing machines, as well as 4 ScanNCut machines.

ENDS

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