Michael Sordo bags 2014 BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award

14 Mar '14

3 min read

Michael Lo Sordo has been named winner of the 2014 BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award at the annual BT Runway for Success event in Sydney last night.

BT Financial Group Chief Executive Brad Cooper said the annual award is BT’s commitment to helping Australia’s young and gifted emerging fashion designers prepare for their best.

“BT is proud to be encouraging emerging designers to reach their full potential by not only investing in, but supporting the growth of, Australian designers,” Mr Cooper said. “Michael is a very talented and worthy winner. I congratulate him and the finalists.”

Michael Lo Sordo receives $10,000 from BT and also has access to mentoring and a financial planner to help establish a sound financial plan which will assist the designer’s growth. As part of the award, Virgin Australia has provided two return business flights to New York for Lo Sordo to further his fashion ambitions. The total prize package is valued at $40,000.

Michael Lo Sordo is an emerging fashion designer whose label is attracting plenty of attention for its structured, razor-sharp take on romantic minimalism. Making his debut in 2008, Lo Sordo continues to build from strength to strength.

This year’s BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award was conducted with the support of the newly established Australian Fashion Chamber, led by Edwina McCann, Editor in Chief of Vogue Australia and Head Judge for the 2014 Award.

“Michael’s talent has been recognised tonight due his exploration of textures and materials, and his design ethos showcasing elegant and flattering shapes. His vision for the future of his business is very clear and winning the BT Emerging Designer Award will allow him to take the next step forward,” Ms McCann said.

The 2014 judging panel made up of industry icons included Ms McCann, Carla Zampatti AC, Camilla Freeman-Topper, Janice Breen-Burns, Nicole Warne and Megan Quinn.

Lo Sordo showed his collection at BT Runway for Success alongside finalists By Johnny and Strateas Carlucci. The Emerging Fashion Designer collections were followed by runway shows from some of Australia’s best known fashion labels – Bec & Bridge, Bianca Spender, Camilla and Marc, Carl Kapp, Carla Zampatti, Lee Mathews, Manning Cartell, Oroton and Willow.

Not only were fashion trends on display during the night – Katie Reeve, Creative Director at Toni & Guy presenting unique trend lend styles for each of the designer showcases.

BT Runway for Success also provided a boost for Fitted for Work, a not-for-profit organisation supported by BT that helps Australian women prepare for employment by providing second-hand donated clothing suitable for job interviews as well as transition to work programs.

Each of the guests attending the event was asked to donate a garment to Fitted for Work.

Michael Lo Sordo

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