Debuts in more ways than one
Emerging designers are preparing to vie for supremacy at Fashion Exposed's biannual Debut competition, while a host of "expo debut" labels will also be on show.
Now in its fifth year, the Debut contest will judge labels in the key areas of originality, workmanship and marketability, with collections presented in the apparel, accessories and avant-garde categories.
This year's competition highlights include avant-garde label Ellen Bartels from New South Wales, with her Renia Del Maya collection; while Queensland apparel entry Metamorphose, by Sunshine Coast designer Debbie van Rooyen, will display its collection The Feeling in One's Bones. South African born designer Marion Liese will also showcase her first lingerie collection, A Dark Romance.
A panel of industry experts will select the category winners, who stand to take out a prize pool in excess of $9,000 - equivalent to three stand packages valued at $3,000 each. Winners will also secure an individual location within Fashion Exposed & preview next season, as well as WGSN trend workshops valued at $500.
Elsewhere in Fashion Exposed, a number of first time exhibitors have signed up to showcase their collections. They include sleepwear and lingerie label Emma Knieriem, womenswear label Victor Alexandre and streetwear label Affliction
Emma Knieriem's 09/10 "Enchanted garden" range is a niche collection of sleep/playwear and lingerie with a quirky aesthetic, while Victor Alexandre features individually hand-cut, washed and dyed garments in luxurious fabrics and relaxed shapes. Embodying sharp contemporary fashion, streetwear label Affliction can be found in boutiques and specialty retailers worldwide including: Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Select Macy's, Select Dillards, and Buckle.
Meanwhile, new to Melbourne Fashion Exposed after a successful Sydney showing, the Streetlab precinct will welcome urban streetwear label William Rast. Created by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, the brand is stocked by world class retailers including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales, as well as boutiques such as Kitson, Lulu's, and E Street Denim.
Fashion Exposed will take place from August 30 to September 1 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
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