Invercargill designer finalist in Italy

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Fashion graduate Sophie Hardy has plenty of plans for the future, and is well on her way to making it in a "cut-throat" industry.

The 24-year-old finished her Bachelor of Design (Fashion) with distinction at Otago Polytechnic School of Design last year, graduating first in her class.

She is one of two Invercargill women selected to compete at the renowned Mittelmoda Fashion Awards in Gorizia, Italy. Roxanna Zamani, who completed the same course as Hardy, will also attend.

"I'm really excited about it and a little bit nervous," Hardy said.

"I've just found out I'm first on. Opening the show will be quite cool but a little bit scary."

Judged by 25 people working in Italy's fashion industry, Mittelmoda is one of the most well-known fashion competitions in the world.

First prize is 10,000 (NZ$17,600), and the chance to show your collection during Milan Fashion Week.

Hardy is putting the finishing touches on her collection, making sure it is "polished" and working on her presentation.

With a month to go until she leaves for the July event, Hardy is trying to raise the remaining funds for her trip.

Working part-time for a fashion label and retail store, she said there are several different directions she could take in the future.

"It's quite a cut-throat industry, quite competitive. There are a lot of fashion graduates out there, and not a lot of jobs as far as the industry in New Zealand goes," she said. As well as creating fashion, she would like to work as a buyer or for magazines, in editorial or as a stylist.

Hardy hoped the trip to Italy would help her get her name out there, and help her make contacts from all over the world.

Hardy will show her collection Possession Obsession in Gorizia. The collection is made up of five outfits, a total of 11 pieces all designed and created by Hardy.

- © Fairfax NZ News