MYFDA 2010 Finalists Announced

MYFDA 2010 Finalists Announced

The Midlands Young Fashion Designer Awards (MYFDA) would like to announce the finalists for the 2010 Awards. The lucky finalists will take part in a fashion show where they will showcase three items from their collections, on Saturday 23rd October at Birmingham Conservatoire.

The MYFDA is a fashion platform for up and coming and emerging fashion designers from across Birmingham and the Midlands region created to showcase their talent and to compete to become Midlands Young Fashion Designer of the Year 2010.

The three categories include: Haute Couture, Ready to Wear and Evening Wear where one winner will be recognised in each category. From the three winners, one overall designer will then be crowned as Midlands Young Fashion Designer of the year by the fashion industry judges.

Preliminary judge Project Catwalk’s Viv Whelan said: “The level of entries was incredibly high and it was very difficult to decide who the finalists should be. There is always a tremendous buzz being involved in a big event like this and it will help drive the designers forward to try and achieve their dreams and goals.”

Alongside the prestigious awards, there are also some great prizes on offer to the winners of each category including a photo shoot and the opportunity to create their very own collection lookbook.

Now in its third year the MYFDA is a firm fixture on the Birmingham fashion calendar. This year’s event will include a VIP reception, spectacular fashion show, showcasing some of the Midland’s hottest new talent together with live entertainment. As well as the 24 finalists, six emerging and independent fashion and accessories designers will also be showcasing their collections and exhibiting their products and services to industry professionals and the public. The MYFDA will also be holding a raffle to raise funds for Acorns Children’s Charity.

MYFDA Founder and Events Director Jenny Eason said: “We had an overwhelming amount of entries this year’s MYFDA and I can’t wait to see all the entrants’ hard work coming to life on the catwalk.”

Partners of this year’s event include Motel Rocks Clothing and The Model Bank while Toni & Guy will be the official hair sponsors, styling the catwalk hair and providing Label M products for the VIP goody bags. 69 and Invazian News will also be offering the event extensive coverage throughout their magazine and online.  

Sshhh!! Winners Prize Sneaky Peek!

By Farhana Nazir

The build up to this years MYFDA is set to be unleashed and we’ll be at every step along the way giving your sneaky snipped of what to expect and what is coming up so you can gear up for the big night.

The 2010 MYFDA will be rewarding the winning designer from each of the following categories; Ready to Wear, Haute Couture and Evening Wear.

So far this year we’ve been able to secure the following fantastic prize for all three winners with lots more to follow;

  • A top commercial photo shoot which will be sent to several local and national fashion magazines
  • Professional model(s) to showcase each designer’s wonderful creations
  • Professional hair and make-up artist and hairstylist – the stuff fashion designers’ dreams are made of!

It’s almost impossible to attach a value to such a fantastic prize and the plethora of opportunities it will provide the winners with. This will be sure to offer an exciting head start in their fashion careers and will bring great results combined with all their hard work and efforts!

And for all the die hard fashion lovers and those who experiment in their wardrobes like we used to in the school labs (dangerous but fun!) show your support for local talent by joining our MYFDA Facebook page here.

2010 MYFDA at the grand Birmingham Conservatoire!

By Farhana Nazir

It’s finally confirmed! The ONLY date for your diary this year is the 2010 MYFDA which is being held in the heart of Birmingham City Centre at the amazing Birmingham Conservatoire on 23rd October 2010.

Expect extreme fashion indulgence and a talent overload at this year’s event where this year’s entries are set to display a pool of fantastic fashion talent within the Midlands. What better way to be catapulted into the limelight of your very own fashion career than to be applauded by more than a 400 strong audience and top fashionistas and fashion lovers.

Well, what can you expect from this year’s awards? A glittering entrée into such an amazing industry; a dream come true for the finalists, and your chance to mingle with tomorrows Cavalli or Chanel!

Come on Midlands, get your fashionable act together and keep your eyes peeled through those Prada sunnies on this very page for info on how to get tickets and give Midlands’ talent a big pat on the back!

Till next time, don’t fall prancing around in those Manolos!

Judging Underway with a Project Catwalk Finalist in tow!

By Farhana Nazir

The heat is on and judges are hard at work to select the finalists who will ultimately compete in this years MYFDA event. With such a vast line up of entries and fantastic talent on offer, the pressure is on to make the tough decision of who will make it through to the finals and see their designs on the catwalk!

Amongst this year’s host of fashion expert judges is Sky 3’s Project Catwalk finalist Viv Whelan. The Warwickshire based designer knows a thing or two about designing and taking part in competitions! The passionate and talented designer, made it to the finals of Project Catwalk without any formal fashion qualifications, proving that creativity can drive your career forward!

Check out Viv Whelan’s website where she creates bespoke one off designs, perfect for those super special occasions or even if you fancy treating yourself. To get your guilt free fashion fix see Viv’s final Project Catwalk collection on You Tube.

Watch this space for more updates on the official event taking place later in the year and an update on this year’s grand venue and the best bit about a competition – prizes!

Show your love for the Midlands next Vivienne Westwood or Tom Ford by joining the MYFDA Facebook Page and remember to suggest it to all your fashionable friends!

Good luck to all the hopeful budding Galliano’s!

The MYFDA is bigger and better for 2010!

For the third year running the MYFDA is taking applications for designers between 16-25 to compete to become Midlands Young Fashion Designers of 2010. This year’s event is expected to bigger and better with a new venue in the pipeline which will ensure one stylish night of awards.

Would you like to be involved in this year’s event? Take a look at our list below of ways you can be a part of the biggest fashion event to come to Birmingham:

Fashion Students, Graduates and Aspiring Designers

Think you’re the next Vivienne Westwood or Gareth Pugh and are looking for your big break? Check out how you can enter the MYFDA 2010 with the chance to win a fabulous prize which could catapult your career in the fashion industry.

Click here to find out how you can enter

Independent and Established Designers

Looking for a place to showcase your latest collection with the opportunity to present your brand to hundreds of fashionistas? The MYFDA offers a platform to independent and established designers where they can showcase between 4 and 6 outfits to an audience of over 200 potential customers. 6 designers will be selected to showcase their collection at the MYFDA 2010 Fashion Showcase.

Please request a separate entry form by email to the one on the site.

Exhibitors

As well as being a stylish fashion show the MYFDA is an ideal place to do some shopping and we welcome any new or established fashion related businesses who would like to book a space to sell their items.

Please contact info@myfashiondesigners.co.uk for information on how to purchase a space.

Models

We are on the lookout for aspiring or established models who are looking for an opportunity to build their portfolio. If you think you’ve got the Naomi Campbell walk or legs to die for like Gisele then get in contact with us.

Calling all Stylists, Make-Up Artists, PR and Graphic Designers!

If you want a career in fashion and are looking for some great experience to add to your CV email us to find out how you can get involved.


MYFDA 2009 Choreographer Profile – Kadi

Kadi is a multi talented individual from the West Midlands. The choreographer for the MYFDA 2009, she is also a finalist for Miss Black Britain 2009. Kadi first started modelling over 10 years ago and appeared in Black Beauty Hair magazine and from then was involved in a few fashion showcases. Kadi stopped modelling to pursue her education where she completed her degree in Psychology and Media in addition to writing and performing music. Kadi’s latest shows have included the Mahogany Bridal Show and being involved with the Top Model of Colour 2009.

Helen Mary showcases at the MYFDA

Helen Mary began through the love for luxurious materials and bringing these together to create an exclusive design, allowing women to literally feel beautiful.

After designing for high street retailers and overseeing mass production garment samples in The Far East, Helen Mary decided she wanted to offer more individual and gracious hand made garments within the UK and so created her own exclusive women’s wear collections. Attention to detail with the use of Swarovski crystal fastenings and detailing with contrasting beautiful fabrics is what has gained Helen Mary her signature style for understated elegance. All of Helen Mary’s garments are designed and hand made in the UK.

To see items from the Helen Mary collection click here.

Designer Profile – Catherine Woodward

Leicestershire based designer Catherine Woodward nearly didn’t make her dream of becoming a designer. “When I became disabled at 19, I thought any career would be out of the question” she says.

Catherine didn’t let her disability stop her carving out a career in fashion as she completed an Open University course in business as well as a diploma in dress making and fashion. “Constant pain and loss of mobility led me to believe I would never be able to work, but determination and support from my husband and carer has encourage me to go for it” the Evening Wear finalist says.

“I want to thank everyone at the MYFDA for giving me a fantastic opportunity to be part of this fabulous event” she added.

The Judges are Announced

This year we have some amazing judges for the Midlands Young Fashion Designer Awards, make sure you check out their work.

Gavin Douglas – Fashion Designer

Birmingham born Douglas is a “dynamic, young designer who carefully researches, designs and crafts each individual piece of clothing, ensuring its uniqueness and quality.” He has become well known in the fashion industry drawing critical acclaim from some of the most influential names in fashion. In 2006 he won first place at the Fashion Fringe designer awards in London and showcased a full collection at London Fashion Week in 2007.

 

Sulaimi Brookman – Fashion Designer
Brookman was born in Singapore and knew from an early age he was destined for a career in the fashion industry. Due to his experiences working in a Versace boutique he now primarily focuses on turning haute couture gowns into ready to wear pieces all the time remembering the woman he is designing for is key to the process; flattering all women’s shapes and sizes. Brookman has now moved to Birmingham and his business is based from a studio in the Custard Factory. Part of the inspiration for his new collection came from French queen Marie Antoinette, combined with themes from the film Dangerous Liaisons. Check out his amazing collection by clicking here.

Helen Parker– Me Myself & I Online Boutique owner

Me, Myself & I sells fashion and accessory pieces from an array of independent designers on an online web shop. Using e-commerce guarantees the collections advertised online become available to a global market, opening up the sales essentially, worldwide. Many of the designers support local manufacturing using organic fabrics and hand sourced vintage materials.

Designer Profile – Sophia Miller

Sophia is studying for a degree in Fashion Studies which has developed and maintained her skills in both manufacture and design. Sophia’s preferred area is the designing of new garments and is inspired by the work of Elle Saab and the label Preen by Thornton Bregazzi.

However, Sophia also believes that inspiration can “come from anything to make it new and original” and not just the work of existing designers, which gives her own collection a very unique feel. She has produced a collection for the ‘Evening Wear’ category called ‘Egyptian Gold’ which is motivated from the Egyptian period, as she uses gold tones and sandy reds and has focused on the neck-line, a well recognised feature from Egyptian history. By sourcing historical cuts and styles Sophia was able to create a unique and purposeful collection. She is “looking forward to making her designs and bringing them to life.”