Donatella Versace chairman of Fashion Fringe’s judging panel announced Go By a Secret Path (Eun Jeong), LF Markey, Sarah Easom and William Tempest as the 2008 finalists. The four will now go on to prepare a full collection to showcase during London Fashion Week as a collective show in September, when one overall winner will be announced. Selected from over 300 applicants, the chosen four had to prove their technical abilities and talent to the judges. The selection panel consisted of Anne Pitcher (Selfridges), Donatella Versace, Jonathan Akeroyd (Alexander McQueen), Lucinda Chambers (Vogue UK), Natalie Massenet (Net-A-Porter.com), Roland Mouret and Roy Peach (London College of Fashion).
This is only the beginning of the process of enabling the finalists to establish themselves as new designers running their own businesses. Over the next few months, the four will prepare their final collection at the London College of Fashion as well as receiving technical support and mentoring from a host of industry insiders including the judges to ensure that they have a broad and complete view and knowledge of the fashion industry. The winner(s) will receive £100,000 in funding for their next collection, which will show at the following London Fashion Week in February.
Donatella Versace commented: “I was very excited to be here today as I saw a lot of talent. Unfortunately, we had to choose four, but I feel that they have a great future ahead of them. I am very proud to be a part of Fashion Fringe.”
Launched in 2004, Fashion Fringe is the brainchild of Colin McDowell MBE and global sports, entertainment and media company IMG. Previously Fashion Fringe launched six new designers on the London Fashion scene since 2004 including Erdem (2005) and Basso & Brooke (2004). The designer competition is supported by American Express, CFE, Covent Garden London, DHL, London Development Agency, L’Oréal Paris, The Mayor of London, Net-A-Porter.com and Sunday Times Style.
Image: Sarah Easom
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