Dorchester Collection launches 2013 Fashion Prize

The 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize was launched today at The Dorchester with a high profile panel of international judges from the world of fashion including Daniella Helayel*, Caroline Issa, Stephen Jones, Nicholas Oakwell, Rupert Sanderson*, and Stephen Webster.

Following the worldwide interest that the prize has generated in the fashion industry, the prize has widened to invite applications from young design talent of ready-to-wear or premium accessories brands based in countries where there are Dorchester Collection hotels: the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland and the US.

In a further move designed to encourage emerging international design talent, the prize will now feature additional panels of judges recruited by Dorchester Collection hotels in each of these countries.

“We’re thrilled to continue to support upcoming designers and launch the 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize with a new international format. Our aim is to continue to attract a high standard of talent; it’s been rewarding to follow the success of previous winners and finalists, knowing that the prize has helped them to make that next step to global success and recognition,” states Christopher Cowdray, chief executive officer of Dorchester Collection.

Thomas Tait, Anndra Neen and Augustin Teboul, previous winners of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize, have since enjoyed critical acclaim for their collections and been featured in respected titles such as The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar UK, Vogue.com and L’Officiel.

*Judges not pictured
“Since winning the 2012 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize, we’ve had a huge amount of media attention, particularly in Paris which has been fantastic for promoting our brand”, say Annelie Augustin and Odelie Teboul.

The grand final will be on 29 October 2013 at The Dorchester, where five shortlisted designers will be invited to stage a catwalk presentation. The judges of the 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize will seek to award one designer who best demonstrates original aesthetic flair, a capability for future critical distinction and commercial success. The winner’s work must also evoke the spirit of Dorchester Collection’s iconic hotels and, therefore, project a sense of individuality, luxury, style and craftsmanship.

Entries for the 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize must be based in UK, France, Italy, Switzerland and the US; have an established design business and have operated their brand for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. A new element of the application process includes the submission of a one minute video entry which invites applicants to present their collection, inspiration and design philosophy.

The 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize carries an endowment of £25,000 to help establish the designer’s brand, a two night stay at a Dorchester Collection hotel and, in a new element launched this year, the prospect of one-to-one mentoring from a selection of the judges.

Application details will be available for download on the Dorchester Collection website (www.dorchestercollection.com) from mid-April 2013 and registration will be open until 31 May 2013.