2011 FAD Junior Awards Final
By Ami Sedghi, FAD Volunteer Reporter

London Fashion Week was in for a treat last week as 25 of the strongest, most original and inspirational young designers gathered together at Vauxhall Fashion Scout in Covent Garden for the 2011 FAD Junior Awards.

2011 FAD Junior Awards Winner, Sabine Bindere

Runner-Up, Yasemin Cakli;Runner-Up, Yasemin Cakli;Award for Commercial Design, Gemma Halliwell

After months of hard work, the young designers saw their creations emerge onto the catwalk amongst a buzzing atmosphere of fashionistas, press and industry experts as well as some deservedly proud and emotional parents and teachers. Guests from Marie Claire, River Island and George at Asda lined the front row alongside members of the judging panel.

Sabine Bindere, of Barking and Dagenham College, walked away with the big prize of the night when she was awarded overall winner. The 19-year old showed acute understanding of the fashion industry with an urban design that would have been at home in many of the other established designer’s runway shows during the week.

Award for Creative Design & Cut, Francesca Espinosa-Baster; Francesca Espinosa-Baster; Camden Finalist Tamzin O'Garro

Tamzin O'Garro;Lewisham Finalist Shanel Brown; Manchester Finalist Sarafina Roberts

A two-week work placement with FAD partner, George at Asda, was presented to the delighted winner after she took her own turn down the catwalk with her model to rounds of applause. The graffiti print dress in shades of red, white and grey featured a double hooded design which the judges praised. The overcome winner said of the evening:

“To see something that you have worked on in such a short space of time, walking past you on a catwalk is amazing. To just see it there and be able to say I made that. It’s unbelievable really!”

Runner-up Yasemin Cakli, 17 from City & Islington College impressed judges with her flawless design of a print trimmed plastic cape and orange jumpsuit which showed a knack for experimentation and a way to play with different materials. A two-week work placement at Marks & Spencer was awarded to her in what must have been a tough decision for the judges.

Hackney Finalist Shaunette Vincent; Newham Finalist Danielle Ossamor; Manchester Finalist Nathan O'Brien

Special mentions were given to other young designers exhibiting in the show. Gemma Halliwell, 17, of Bury College (Greater Manchester) was left nearly speechless when she was picked out for having the best Commercial Design, her delighted model spoke of how she couldn’t have picked something better than the lace edged playsuit to wear down the catwalk. Francesca Espinosa-Baster, 18, from St.Philomena’s Catholic School for Girls (South London) received an award for the Most Innovative Design & Cut for the skin-tight blue jumpsuit and fan pleat jacket she created.

The successful show lead to drinks, celebrations and many declarations of praise as judges mingled with finalists and industry experts had a drink alongside guests at the champagne reception in the beautiful Freemason’s hall.

Camden Finalist Jazzie Driessen; Lewisham Finalist Ella Hetherington; Finalist Holly Cooney

For over seven years, Fashion Futures - a project run by FAD to encourage and teach young people to engage with the creative industries- has provided confidence, skills and inspiration to many young people dreaming of entering the industry. The finalists were picked from over 100 teenagers from across London and Greater Manchester boroughs and given the opportunity to take part in an intensive summer school held at the University of East London. With the help and support of tutors and FAD mentors, the budding designers put together their catwalk-worthy collection in just five days.

With creative skills to take away and important fashion lessons learnt the finalists truly have a bright future ahead of them. As winner, Sabine Bindere, would say: “We are all winners.”

Watch the winner's reactions as the awards are announced:

FAD SS12 Award Winners from VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT on Vimeo.

See all 25 finalists showcase their work in the 2011 FAD Junior Awards catwalk final:

FAD SS12 Full Show from VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT on Vimeo

PHOTO CREDITS:
Catwalk Photos by Tony Wellington
Photos of finalists and models by Tan Singtosap and Jasmine Lee (2008 FAD Junior Awards Finalists)