Aspiring fashion designers sparkle in spotlight under Gypsy Rose

14 Apr '09

3 min read

The winners of the 10th CRYSTALLIZED Young Designers Award were declared last night as part of the spectacular closing evening of The Bride Show Dubai.

Edwin P. de Jesus, originally from the Philippines and now living in Dubai, took home the coveted Innovation Award, chosen from both the amateur and student categories by a panel of esteemed judges, for his inspired take on a traditional wedding dress, which was cleverly embellished with beautiful CRYSTALLIZED – Swarovski Elements and drew inspiration from this year's theme 'Gypsy Rose'.

The Amateur category award winner was Jihae Yun, originally from South Korea and now living in Dubai, whose stunning design impressed the judges, while Edwin P. de Jesus was also awarded runner up.

Bushra Khatib, from Pakistan and a student from Preston University Ajman was announced the winner of the Student category, and Maryam Telemasani, a Saudi Arabian national from the Millennium Institute of Technology & Management in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was the runner up.

Edwin's Innovation Award-winning dress was a super feminine white and pink creation adorned with roses and CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements which was accessorized with a long matching jacket and sparkling headpiece.

“I can't even begin to explain how I feel,” said Edwin backstage after receiving his two awards. “I'm excited, nervous, so happy and just completely overwhelmed right now. I can't wait to begin my three-month internship within Swarovski Middle East and I hope this leads to a full time career as a fashion designer.”

The finalists' designs were on display throughout The Bride Show Dubai, alongside 300 exhibitors from 17 countries spanning the fashion, beauty and travel industries. The competition's exciting finale began as each design was professionally modelled down the catwalk in front of hundreds of visitors.

The panel of judges, comprising designer Ahmed Al Reyaysa, Bansri Gagwani from Swarovski Middle East, Claire Turrell from ITP, Madiha Zaki from Sayidaty magazine, Sophia Triantafillou from Emirates Woman magazine and designer Veronica di Santo evaluated the dresses in terms of design, technique and innovative use of the CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements.

After the judges deliberated, Filip Ranebo, Market Manager of Swarovski Middle East, took the stage to announce Bushra, Jihae and Edwin as the 2009 winners.

Daphne Cota, Exhibition Manager for The Bride Show, said, “The CRYSTALLIZED Young Designers Award annually displays a wealth of talent and creativity, and this year the competition was extremely competitive.”

“Each finalist showed great artistry and innovation, and our judging panel has rightfully recognised them for their talents. On behalf of The Bride Show, I'd like to thank Swarovski Middle East for their support and guidance during the competition, and hope all our contestants continue to further their love of fashion design.”

The Bride Show Dubai, organised by IIR Middle East, ran from 8 - 11 April at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The four-day event included fashion shows from renowned names such as Ines Di Santo, Demetrios, Julea Domani, Ahmed Al Reyaysa and Arushi, as well as high-end shopping for brides-to-be and their families.

Bride Show Dubai

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