Students scoop top prizes at ASBCI Student Design Award finals

06 Jun '08

3 min read

Graduate designers from Nottingham Trent University, Manchester Metropolitan University and De Montfort University scooped the top prizes in the spectacular catwalk finals of the ASBCI Student Design Award 2008 held recently at the Dunchurch Park Hotel in Rugby.

Sponsored by Shop Direct Group, formerly Littlewoods Shop Direct, just 12 student finalists from an original 200 entries, showed two garments from their short-listed collections to over 130 ASBCI members and their guests at the award dinner. First prize and a cheque for £1500 went to Emma Wood, a final year BA fashion design student at Nottingham Trent University. Second place and a £750 cheque went to Moran Dahan a BA fashion design and technology student from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Third prize went to Kayleigh Flattery from De Montfort University and such was the outstanding technical merit of her designs the judges increased her prize from £500 to £750. The £1000 ASBCI college prize was awarded to Manchester Metropolitan University for the most impressive overall portfolio of entries.

In addition to the cash prizes and three years' free membership to the ASBCI, Shop Direct Group is giving all three graduates an opportunity to turn their designs into commercial garments with a view to selling them on-line as part of its 'Designer Collection' alongside such designer greats as Amanda Wakeley and Anne Louise Roswald. Jane Hotz, ladies wear buying director for Shop Direct Groupmade the award presentations and applauded the students for their creative and technical talent: “The standard of design was extremely high and applicants rose spectacularly to the challenge to create feminine and fabulous special occasion wear for the 'Designer Collection'. The level of technical innovation in the winning designs was particularly impressive and we are always looking for innovation.” She added: “Shop Direct Group feels very privileged to be able to work with and support such young talented designers and to be able to give all three winners a fantastic opportunity to have their designs produced and sold on-line as an exclusive range.”

More Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry News... More Fashion News - United Kingdom...