Emily's night of winning style at the NRA awards
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT) fashion design student Emily Black has won the Student Designs category at the National Retail Association awards, presented on the Gold Coast last night (Wednesday 19 March).
Emily's winning design pushed the boundaries of contemporary race wear, using 100 per cent wool to create a one-off black dress that celebrated the category's 'Australian lifestyle' theme.
"Making it to the finals was an achievement in itself but winning the category has just astounded me," said Emily after being presented with the award in front of a live national television audience.
"To be able to have my work seen by some of Australia's leading designers, key buyers, top industry employers and a national audience is a one-off opportunity," she said.
Emily's win led the way for a successful evening for MSIT students with four other past and present students making it through to the 27th NRA design awards finals.
Students Megan Todd and Sonia Douglas also had their designs on full view, having been named as finalists in the Student Designs category after being selected in the final five from over 40 entries.
2007 MSIT graduate, Cyan Reign, was named as a finalist in the Couture category and shared in the evening's style and glamour with former student Kimberly Sakzewski, who was represented in the Fashions on the Field category. Meanwhile, George Wu, who is also a past MSIT student, exhibited his designs as part of the awards.
MSIT Institute Director Linda Brown said that the number of MSIT students making it through to the finals further established the Institute's reputation as an outstanding provider of fashion training.
"This is the third consecutive NRA event in which an MSIT student has won the Student Designs category and that speaks volumes about the quality of training that is continually provided at MSIT.
"To have other current students and graduates represented at the awards is an honour for both the individual student and the Institute. As TAFE Queensland's lead centre for fashion design we really are making our mark as the most innovative and creative hub for Australia's up and coming designers," Ms Brown said.
The 27th NRA Australian Fashion Design Awards showcase the best of today's designers and discover the talent of tomorrow, providing them with the chance to promote their designs to the industry and to the live television audience.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joanne Van Zeeland, 07 3215 1487, 0435 160 430, joanne.vanzeeland@deta.qld.gov.au
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