Jewels in crown for knitwear queen

9 December 2009

Renowned knitwear designer Vivian Chan Shaw has launched a hand-made jewellery collection. Fresh from receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fashion Group International (FGI) Awards for Excellence 2009, the designer will showcase the jewellery along with her latest clothing ranges at FASHION EXPOSED.

A thrilled Chan Shaw accepted her award from MC Henry Roth, from the hit TV show Project Runway, at a gala presentation in Sydney on November 13.

Tipped as a key event on the industry calendar, FGI's bi-annual awards recognise excellence in the categories of Rising Star; Sustainable Design; Innovation Excellence; International Achievement and Lifetime Achievement.

Her win follows another accolade earlier this year, when Chan Shaw joined the Harpers Bazaar Hall of Fame, which lauded her as one of the "Founding Fathers of Australian Style".

Chan Shaw launched her self-named label in1972. Working out of a small store under Sydney's Hilton Hotel and selling hand made, one-off designs in exclusive fabrics, she was discovered by international stars Margaux Hemingway and Bo Derek, who were guests at the Hilton at the time.

Over the years she has carved a niche as Australia's Queen of Knitwear. Sportswear International Magazine named her "a master of knit who would rival the Missonis". Her contribution to Australian Fashion is also recognised by Sydney's Powerhouse Museum, which houses her designs in its permanent collection.

Vivian Chan Shaw will be on show alongside leading designer brands, in the preview section of FASHION EXPOSED, from 14-15 February 2010 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre.

 

 

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