Deutz fashion award finalists named

Last updated 00:00 03/09/2007

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TOUGH DECISION: Finalist Yawen Chang discusses her collection with fashion designers Kate Sylvester and Cybèle Wiren.

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After much deliberation, eight finalists have been picked from this year's field of Deutz Fashion Design Ambassador entrants.

"The top eight all had collections that managed to marry catwalk impact with strong ideas and a degree of commercial wearability," said fashion journalist and judge Stacy Gregg.

"I'm not saying that you need to be able to wear everything that is on the runway - but there must be a vision that relates to reality on some level."

The Deutz Fashion Design Ambassador finalists for 2007 are:

Elizabeth Wilson, Wellington

Alex Kim, Auckland

Yawen Chang, Auckland

Chelsea Thorpe, Gisborne

Andrew Smith, Auckland

Tymone Winter, Wellington

Jann Wong, Auckland

Ya Kun Cai, Auckland

The judges said that they were impressed with the level of entries.

"There is a real mix in terms of design, and some really fresh and interesting ideas. The finalists stood out for their innovation, clear sense of purpose, and high level of professionalism in their presentation." said fashion designer and judge Cybèle Wiren.

The finalists' collections will be shown on the catwalk at Auckland's ASB Tennis Centre on Thursday 13 September, when the new Deutz Fashion Design Ambassador will be announced.

This year's judging panel included, Stacy Gregg (Fashion Quarterly and Runway Reporter editor-at-large), Kate Sylvester (fashion designer), Petra Bagust (television personality), Cybèle Wiren (fashion designer) and Katie Newton (fashion and beauty editor, Sunday Star-Times).

The judging process involved intense examination of the garments, on and off models, as well as personal interviews with selected finalists.

Judging criteria included, innovation and originality, cut and finish, suitability of fabric and design, appropriateness for the intended target market, as well as the entrant's ability to be a strong Ambassador for emerging New Zealand fashion design.

The awards are seen as a key launch platform for aspiring fashion designers, and are open to final year students, fresh graduates and designers new to the fashion market.

The winner receives a return trip to London Fashion Week, with NZ$3000 spending money and the chance to meet with influential leaders from London's vibrant fashion industry.

In addition to the awards show presentation, the finalists' collections will be modelled in a special catwalk showcase at Air New Zealand Fashion Week on September 20.

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