The iconic iD Emerging Designer Show – for graduates with up to five years experience – celebrates its 15th year in 2019. In recognition of the contribution the award has made to NZ fashion design, organisers have announced an esteemed panel of New Zealand judges, all of whom are of international renown.
Head Judge Tanya Carlson will be joined by designers; Margi Robertson of Nom’D, Kate Sylvester and Benny Castles of WORLD, who has become known by many as a judge on Project Runway NZ.
The iD Dunedin Fashion Week 20th Anniversary Show promises an inspiring catwalk show that brings the world’s cutting-edge fashion to New Zealand audiences.
iD Dunedin Fashion Week has big plans for next year – celebrating two milestones; 15 years of the iD International Emerging Designer Show and 20 years of iD Dunedin Fashion Week. For the first time, iD International Emerging Designers will present at the designer runway show.
Combining the iD International Emerging Designer show means young designers will have their innovative collections featured in one half of the show, with the other half of the show dedicated to established local and iconic New Zealand designers. The shows are being held for the first time at Dunedin’s beautiful Regent Theatre on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 March 2019.
iD Co-Chair and Creative Director, Dr Margo Barton says, “being selected as a finalist in the iD International Emerging Designer is potentially a life-changing opportunity for aspiring designers and recent graduates to gain experience and build networks within the fashion industry.”
Since 2004 iD International Emerging Designer has showcased incredible design talent and launched world-class careers with fashion houses including Benetton Sisley, Vivienne Westwood and Burberry.
Abby van Schreven, co-owner of prominent New Zealand fashion brand Maaike was a finalist in the first iD International Emerging Fashion Design Awards in 2006, showing her graduate collection as an Otago Polytechnic Fashion Design student. For Abby, being a finalist in the awards gave her confidence in her abilities as a designer early-on in her career. “Getting that recognition and chance to show on a global platform like the Emerging Designer Awards was pretty amazing. I was only young (20) and getting that validation that my ideas are good was really cool. It made me think ‘Oh yeah, I can do this!’.”
The 15th annual iD International Emerging Designer show is presented in partnership with the Otago Polytechnic. The iD Dunedin Fashion committee values the ongoing support offered by Otago Polytechnic in recognising and developing emerging generations of fashion industry leaders.
Dr Barton encourages new designers to be a part of the future of fashion saying the competition also offers the opportunity to meet other aspiring international designers, network with high profile guest judges and established designers – all while gaining invaluable professional experience.
Deadline for applications for the 2019 iD International Emerging Designer is 30th November 2018. Interested applicants can find out more here.
Tickets for the 2019 shows will be available to the public through Ticket Direct starting Saturday 1st December 2018, find out more here.
