A keen celebrator of international fashion, the finalists in this year’s edition of LYCRA Future Designers include candidates from four different countries: Lucy Gardener from the UK, Patricia Clariza from the United States, Hanna Lucatelli from Brazil, and Han Zhongshu from China.

Lucy from the UK is thrilled to have made the final. She said, “I can't quite believe it! It's really great to have the recognition especially as I am in the process of starting up Fierlan; a women’s cycling clothing company.

"I loved working with LYCRA fibre as they offered all the performance benefits, whilst creating the flattering look I was aiming for. I am looking forward to developing more women's performance cycling garments for my brand and being a finalist for this award has given me just the push I needed!.”

This year is the fifth edition of WGSN Global Fashion Awards and LYCRA Future Designers will offer one outstanding student or graduate designer the chance to work with expert mentors at INVISTA and overall consultancy. In addition the winner will receive fabrics with LYCRA fiber, a package to help with the development of a collection to help kick-start their careers. 

Participants were invited to submit designs that could be manufactured using LYCRA fiber products, along with mood boards and supporting documentation making their case. Entries needed to be made up of any of the following categories of apparel: intimates, swim, active sportswear or hosiery/tights.

“The WGSN Global Fashion Awards offers the perfect international platform for INVISTA, owner of the LYCRA brand, to celebrate young up and coming design from across the globe. Especially as the four finalists represent the Americas, Europe and Asia, providing cultural and geographical diversity,” says Denise Sakuma, INVISTA Apparel Global Director of Brand and Communications. “We are so excited to be able to utilise this platform to launch new creative talents that will help lead and design the apparel industry.”

The LYCRA Future Designers 2012 was awarded to Shireeka Devlin who graduated from the London College of Fashion last year.

This year, the winner will be announced at a star-studded, exclusive gala event at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London on 30th October.

The WGSN Global Fashion Awards are staged by the world’s leading trend and style forecaster and recognise innovation in fashion and retail design on a worldwide scale. Judges in 2013 have included Giles Deacon, Eric Jennings and Rankin.

About WGSN

WGSN is the global authority on style and design. The company identifies and analyses current and future style trends and provides its customers with state-of-the-art online tools that that can be used to create commercially successful products and services. WGSN defines and shapes wining style and design for over 38,000 customers globally.

About INVISTA

INVISTA, owner of the LYCRA fibre brand, is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibres, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA delivers exceptional value for its customers through market insights and technology innovations, along with a powerful portfolio of some of the most recognized global brands and trademarks in their respective industries

Invista