Brother design star to shine in Trelise Cooper collection

Brother design star to shine in Trelise Cooper collection

Twelve-year-old Ellie Goldfinch has shot to stardom after winning the supreme award in national fashion and craft competition, Brother Design Stars.

Not only has the Hamilton Intermediate school student secured the coveted title, and prizes valued at over $10,000, her winning dress will be recreated by Trelise Cooper to feature as part of an upcoming COOP collection.

Open to those in school years 7 to 13, Brother Design Stars encouraged budding fashion designers and creative artists to produce a fashion garment or tablet cover to reflect the theme of ‘Identity’.

Ellie’s fun and youthful dress was singled out from hundreds of entrants by Brother Design Stars judge, and designer of COOP by Trelise Cooper Kayla Jurlina, as an outstanding design with strong commercial appeal.

“Ellie’s conceptual design and skills are well beyond her years. As a twelve-year-old this is truly exceptional and her overall creativity completely blew us away,” Kayla said.

“Trelise is passionate about supporting young talent, which is why we wanted to be involved with Brother in this competition. We’re excited to extend this opportunity to Ellie and inspire young people that their dreams can come true.”

Ellie’s winning dress will be reproduced and sold in COOP stores nationwide with Ellie’s name attached. Profits from each sale will go to the young designer to help support her dream of following in Trelise’s footsteps.

“I can’t believe how lucky I am and am so excited about everything I’ve won. Seeing my dress for sale will be so cool!” Ellie said.

Ellie took home the Supreme Award as well as winning the fashion category for years 7 to 9. She has won her school (Fairfield Intermediate), a Brother classroom kit-out valued at over $8,000 including Brother sewing and ScanNCut machines, label makers and a multi-function printer.

Ellie was one of two Brother Design Stars’ winners in the fashion category. Palmerston North Highschool student, Kate Arbuckle was the winner for school years 10 to 13, with her stunning red lace party dress inspired by American fashion designer Michael Costello.

Kapiti College student, Tia Brockie, won the craft category for years 7 to 9 with her beautifully detailed tablet cover inspired by her Samoan and Scottish heritage.

Emily Crosse from Havelock North, won the craft title for years 10 to 13 with her design titled ‘Eyes are windows to the soul.’

“We were overwhelmed by the high calibre of this year’s entries and impressed with every one of our very talented winners and finalists,” Brother International (NZ) Marketing Manager and Awards judge, Emma Crossett, said.

“Ellie is a real inspiration to others with a dream to succeed in fashion. Through this competition she’s been given an incredible opportunity and we are thrilled that the winner will see their dress become a reality in COOP stores,” Emma adds.

All four winners received a Brother NX400 Sewing Machine, $100 Spotlight voucher, return flights to Auckland to take part in a professional photoshoot with Stephen Tilley, Trelise Cooper workroom tour with judge Kayla Jurlina and a meet and greet with The Edge radio stars Marty & Steph.

Brother Design Stars is set to return in 2016.

ENDS

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