The iD International Emerging Designer Awards was judged in Dunedin on Thursday 14 March. Supported by Otago Polytechnic and judged by Kiwi designers Tanya Carlson, Benny Castles (WORLD), Margi Robertson (NOM*d), VIVA editor Amanda Linnell and Kate Sylvester, the awards showcased works from 25 international young designers.
“This year the judges noted many of the collections were inward-looking,” said Head Judge Tanya Carlson. “Designers were nostalgic about their childhoods and also took inspiration from immigration and migration. Additionally, they all showed an incredible and inspiring juxtaposition of fabrics and colour.”
Honourable Mention: Bethany Cordwell
Bethany Cordwell, QUT, Australia. Beca Sustainability Award
5th Place Winner: Cassandra Casas Rojas
Cassandra Casas Rojas, Kent State University, USA. Therapy + Psychology Free to Be Me Award.
4th Place Winner: Anna Petry
Anna Petry, RMIT, Australia. The Fabric Store Award for Excellence in Design Award.
3rd Place Winner: Sarah Hawes
Gallery De Novo iD International Emerging Designer from UTS, Australia, Sarah Hawe’s collection ‘Psychotic Tailor’ explores men’s tailoring with a hint of the psychotic, inspired by photographs of her grandfather wearing tailored suits in London during the 1950s.
Benny Castles said Hawe’s designs showed an extraordinary commitment to detail. “Her handiwork was awe-inspiring and invigorated the judges’ appreciation of originality.”
2nd Place Winner: Betty Liu
John and Marelda Gallaher Family iD International Emerging Designer winner, Betty Liu, from Melbourne’s RMIT took home the second prize. Liu’s collection ‘Eating the Other,’ explores ways Western fashion reinforces dogmatic stereotypes of Chinese culture. Her collection features garments with long and closed-off sleeves intensifying the feeling of entrapment.
Judge Amanda Linnell said, “Betty tackled a complex and delicate issue, which she handled beautifully showcasing her craft and intellectual execution.”
1st Place Winner: Rebecca Carrington
H&J Smith iD International Emerging Designer winner Rebecca Carrington’s collection, ‘The Story of Miss Ruby Ribbon’, is a celebration of her childhood and her deceased pet parrot, Ruby. To share this memory, Carrington created a fictional narrative through which she tells the tale of a 21-year-old woman who still enjoys playing with toys.
Carrington, from Manchester Metropolitan University, uses toys as shapes for garments, scaling them up from A3 drawings to create larger versions for pattern pieces. Print, embellishment, and dying techniques are obvious throughout the collection. She created masks, fabric keyrings, and plush toys to reflect her the tale and inspire her collection.
Judge Benny Castles said Carrington’s design was “uplifting and inspiring”, adding: “In a time of anxiety and negativity globally, Rebecca’s collection was a breath of fresh air. There was a sense of playfulness which belied the intricate detailing of her design showing talented craftsmanship and story-telling. Her collection brings a smile to your face.”
Congratulations to all the talented young designers. We look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.