The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2012 shortlisted designers have been handpicked by the esteemed judging panel and will now compete for the prestigious prize. The diverse selection of promising designers span womenswear, menswear, fur, demi-couture, ready-to-wear, accessories and lingerie.
The shortlisted designers will showcase their collections on 16 October in a catwalk show at Hôtel Plaza Athénée in front of the judges and audience of fashion influences and press. The final winner will be awarded a prize of €30,000 plus a stay during spring Fashion Week 2013 at a Dorchester Collection property in either Paris or Milan.
With the high quality of shortlisted designers and increasing commercial success of previous winners Anndra Neen (2011) and Thomas Tait (2010), The Dorchester Fashion Prize 2012 is sure to bring forward fashion’s next big name.
Read more about the shortlisted designers…
Calla is the Toronto-born Calla Haynes, who has been living in Paris for the last 8 years. After graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris, Calla worked with Olivier Theyskens at Rochas and Nina Ricci, where she developed her talent for prints. Calla’s vision of ‘relaxed luxury’ is reflected in her Autumn/Winter 12-13 collection of soft tailoring, statement coats, playful dresses and printed trouser suits. Fans of Erdem, Cacharel, Kenzo and Sandro will adore Calla.
Quentin Veron is the enfant terrible of fur, creating statement pieces that are modern, imaginative and edgy. Quentin moved from his native Clermont-Ferrand to Paris in 2005 and spent a short time in the studio of Thierry Mugler before gaining his diploma from the prestigious Studio Bercot. Then it was off to LA to assist Jeremy Scott and work as a stylist for various fashion magazines, incorporating Quentin’s love of fur. His eponymous brand was formed in 2008 and is dedicated to fur.
Quentin’s Autumn/Winter 12-13 collection, The Middle Ages, looks to the medieval silhouette and armour with contrasting materials such as long goat hair, chain mail, fox fur, leather and iron.
Augustin Teboul is design duo Annelie Augustin and Odély Taboul, who met while studying at ESMOD Paris, graduating in 2006. Annelie then worked for Yohji Yamamoto for Adidas and Odély for Jean Paul Gaultier. In 2009, they founded Augustin Teboul – a shared vision of dark, post-romantic elegance, positioned between ready-to-wear and haute couture. The Autumn/Winter 12-13 collection features elegantly draped suits, sculptural knitwear, veiled head pieces, leather trousers and intricately embellished silk dresses.
Les Garcons Paris captured the attention of the fashion panel with their crisp, minimal re-interpretation of classics. Behind Les Garcons Paris is design duo Louis Gerin and Gregory Lamaud, who met at ESMOD Lyon. Ignoring menswear trends, Louis and Gregory have carved their own niche with beautifully-made ready-to-wear and basics in the finest fabrics and luxury underwear using fine jersey and Calais lace.
IRM Design is the womenswear label by design duo Marion Lalanne and Pierre Alexis Hermet, who met at ESMOD Lyon. Their bold, striking womenswear designs are typically vivid and architectural, with seductive sheer panels and painterly prints inspired by the works of Pollock, Klein, Rothko and Mondrian. In particular, their innovative clutch bags offer new ways of enveloping the hand and are made from unusual materials.
Meanwhile, back in London…
During London Fashion Week, Teatum Jones will showcase their Autumn/Winter 12-13 collection in a catwalk show at The Dorchester’s elegant Promenade, accompanied by a fashion afternoon tea and special Odyssey cocktail created by bar manager Giuliano Morandin. Included in the booking is a goody bag and a Liberty credit for £30 when you spend £150 or more.
Also launching at Liberty on the same day is a limited edition printed silk scarf by Teatum Jones named ‘The Dorchester’, inspired by the luxury hotel (priced at £245).
Afternoon tea sittings for the Teatum Jones Fashion Tea at The Promenade on The Dorchester on Tuesday 18 September take place at 2.15pm and at 4.45pm, and are priced at £52 per adult including an Odyssey cocktail. Prices are inclusive of VAT and exclusive of service charge at 12.5%. For reservations or further information, please telephone The Dorchester on +44 (0)20 7629 8888 or email restaurants.TDL@dorchestercollection.com.
For more information, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com