WINNER 2008 FAD COMPETITION

Alicia Stone, 21, from Nottingham Trent University walked away with the top prize at the 2008 FAD Competition last night, 22nd April 2008, with her design praised as ‘wearable, buyable and covetable’ by fashion journalist and jury member Melanie Rickey (Fashion Features & News Editor, Grazia).

A deceptively simple yet stunning design in a grey and white palette, interspersed with eye catching yellow and vibrant red detailing and accessories, displayed an innovative take on the brief which asked students to make an outfit that could be transformed through additional layers, altering its silhouette to achieve a new outfit from the original piece. Alicia Stone’s design received a unanimous vote from the jury and won her £2000 and a work-placement in Madrid with prestigious Spanish brand Hoss Intropia.

A sense of individuality and bespoke calligraphy prints secured Jemma Simmons of De Montfort University one of two runner-up prizes, worth £1000, and a work placement with Pink Soda. Her quirky jumpsuit featured panels made from hand printed strips, sewn together and twisted, to form soft spikes reminiscent of a pagoda's outline.

Third prize was awarded to Sophie Willet, Central Saint Martin's, whose glamorous, multi-tiered dress made a bold statement in black and red. Sophie was also awarded £1000 and a work placement with designer Gavin Douglas.

The 7th nationwide FAD undergraduate competition was held at the intimate Music Room on South Molton Lane. The 12 lucky finalists presented their designs on a pagoda framed catwalk, to an eager audience of industry supporters, family and friends.

This year’s jury comprised a panel with a reputation for spotting new talent; Melanie Rickey (Fashion News and Features Editor, Grazia), Luisa de Paula (Buying & Merchandising Director, My-wardrobe.com), and Francesca Forcolini (owner of acclaimed London boutique, Labour of Love) lent their industry expertise to choose the winner from a collection of strong designs from the 12 finalists.

Judge Hugo de Bergh praised the student's achievement in capturing 'China's dynamism, energy and excitement', while fellow judge Francesca Forcolini had this to say about the competition:

"I really enjoyed being on the panel for the competition. It was really inspiring to encounter the kind of creative endeavour, which rarely presents itself in the everyday working life. It was also wonderful to see such a passionate and encouraging team as FAD supporting young fashion start-ups, which is just what the industry needs." - Francesca Forcolini, Labour of Love