Accessories
FASHION FRINGE ACCESSORIES 2011 WINNER ANNOUNCED
Kerrie Luft was named the winner of 2011 Fashion Fringe Accessories by a panel of experts that included Chair Bruno Frisoni (Creative Director of Roger Vivier), Sebastain Manes (Buying Director of Selfridges) and Sue Saunders (Royal College of Art).
The four hopefuls, Emma Boutet, Kerrie Luft, Monisola Omotoso and Rose Choules, met at the Fashion Fringe HQ in Covent Garden to take part in a board interview with the jury before a decision was fought about and made.
Kerrie Luft will recieve a paid 6-month apprenticeship in Paris at Roger Viver working alongside Bruno Frisoni as well as gaining intimate exposure to the rest of the luxury business.
Click here to see the press release.
THE STORY SO FAR…
Fashion Fringe constantly strives to increase and further our support to the young designers who are part of the platform. In order to expand on this, in 2008 we started a new initiative – Fashion Fringe Shoes in conjunction with Rupert Sanderson, one of London’s brightest young design stars.
Due to the success of the award in 2009 we expanded not just to shoes but to accessories with Jimmy Choo.
This year, we have the pleasure and excitement of partnering with iconic, luxury fashion house Roger Vivier.
Creative Director Bruno Frisoni will chair the award and the panel that will select a winner from five shortlisted finalists in March. The winner will then have the opportunity to work alongside Mr Frisoni at Roger Vivier in Paris for a 6-month apprenticeship. The chosen designer will follow in the successful footsteps of Liam Fahy, who has just launched his own label and Helen Robotham who is currently designing accessories for Burberry.
‘I was lucky to be able to follow my dream. Therefore, for me, it is a priviledge to play a small part to encourage our next generation of young designers to create their own visions – to set out on their adventures with confidence and conviction and with the support of Fashion Fringe Accessories these may become a unique reality.’ Bruno Frisoni.
‘I knew Roger Vivier and had the greatest admiration for him as a man, craftsman and artist, so I am thrilled to have Fashion Fringe associated with his name and the prestigious company that has been so brilliantly refocused and modernised by Bruno Frisoni, who I also know very well, and admire every bit as much as his illustrious predecessor.’ Colin McDowell.
APPLICATION
Candidates do not need to have been formally trained can apply by downloading the appilcation form and sending it in to the Fashion Fringe HQ in Covent Garden.
What we are looking for and why it’s necessary?
The likely successful candidate will be an exceptional shoe/accessory design talent who is about to set up in business.
What sort of person you should be?
Self motivated and confident designer who has seriously thought through the pros and cons of wanting to be an independent luxury accessory designer.
What knowledge & experience should you have?
Ideally you should be a graduate from a design course who has worked in industry for a number of seasons and who can demonstrate their design work has been used commercially. But outstanding talent is the qualification we are looking for.
You must adhere to all the terms and conditions stated on the application form in order to be eligible for entry.
The 2009 Story
On Thursday 14th May 2009 the FIRST EVER Accessories finalists were chosen!
Out of 298 potential budding accessories designers Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden’s creative director Colin McDowell and judges were surprised at the slickness of the applications that were shortlisted.
The winner, who will be chosen following another one of our gruelling interview days next week, will work alongside internationally renowned label Jimmy Choo for a 6 month salaried working apprenticeship within the company. The tailored programme has been designed to provide the winner with intensive exposure to all aspects of the luxury accessories business from design and development, to dealing with the press and wholesale account management.
The finalists were chosen by a panel who were chaired by Tamara Mellon, Co-founder and Creative Director of Jimmy Choo; Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE UK; Rupert Sanderson and Sebastian Manes, Director of Accessories at Selfridges
Sketches from the finalists
2009 WINNER
Helen Robotham was today announced as our first Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden Accessories winner by Creative Director,Colin McDowell!
Helen was chosen in Covent Garden following an interview with the panel of judges which consisted Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE UK; Rupert Sanderson; Sandra Choi, Creative Director of Jimmy Choo and Sebastian Manes, Director of Accessories at Selfridges.
Helen was picked from five strong designers that made it through to the finals.
Helen, who had just had “the worst week of her life“, is fresh from finishing her MA (with a distinction no less) in Fashion Artefact at the London College of Fashion has had previous experience working at Alexander McQueen.
