The winner of the 2014 BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award has been crowned by a new fashion industry order.
Australian designer Michael Lo Sordo has been named winner of the 2014 BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award, and scored a total prize package valued at $40,000.
This year’s BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award was conducted with the support of the newly established Australian Fashion Chamber, led by Edwina McCann, editor in chief of Vogue Australia and head judge for the 2014 Award.
McCann was joined on the 2014 panel by fellow judges Carla Zampatti AC, Camilla Freeman-Topper, Janice Breen-Burns, Nicole Warne and Megan Quinn.
As part of the top prize, Lo Sordo will receive $10,000 from BT and also has access to mentoring and a financial planner to help establish a sound financial plan which will assist the designer’s growth.
As part of the award, Virgin Australia has also provided two return business flights to New York for Lo Sordo to further his fashion ambitions. The total prize package is valued at $40,000.
Lo Sordo showed his collection at BT Runway for Success alongside finalists By Johnny and Strateas Carlucci.
The Emerging Fashion Designer collections were followed by runway shows from some of Australia’s best known fashion labels – Bec & Bridge, Bianca Spender, Camilla and Marc, Carl Kapp, Carla Zampatti, Lee Mathews, Manning Cartell, Oroton and Willow.
Commenting on the final decision to select Lo Sordo as the winner of the award, McCann said the designer displayed outstanding skill and is ready to expand his business further.
“Michael’s talent has been recognised tonight due his exploration of textures and materials, and his design ethos showcasing elegant and flattering shapes. His vision for the future of his business is very clear and winning the BT Emerging Designer Award will allow him to take the next step forward,” she said.
Lo Sordo will also showcase his latest collection as part of the official runway schedule at Mercedes-Benz Australia Fashion Week. For a preview of what he has in store, pick up a copy of the Ragtrader April print edition, out March 27.