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2011 Shortlist
Four designers are shortlisted for the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. To learn more about their work, click on their name.
Anndra Neen
Giulietta
Julian Louie
Siki Im
After two hours of intense deliberation, the judging panel selected the shortlist from a group of 77 designers who applied for the Prize.
The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize made its debut in North America this year and was open to designers of ready-to-wear and accessories who are based there. Applicants must have operated their brand for two years and consistently produced commercial collections.
Ultimately, at the Grand Final of the Prize in Fall 2011, one designer from the shortlist will receive USD $40,000 plus the opportunity to display their collection during Paris Fashion Week in 2012 at Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Located in the heart of the Paris Haute Couture District, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of two Dorchester Collection hotels in the French capital. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful hotels, it is also steeped in fashion history. Christian Dior established his couture house nearby and considered it his "second home."
"The support of Dorchester Collection is vital to fashion. Judging the Prize was a genuine experience. It will bring new talent to another level. The five designers who have qualified for the shortlist will gain from it and so will all of the applicants because of the exposure," said Francisco Costa, women’s creative director of Calvin Klein Collection and one of the judges for the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize.
The judging panel of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize includes Giovanna Battaglia, internationally acclaimed fashion editor; Derek Blasberg, editor and best-selling author; Thom Browne, award-winning menswear designer; Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, co-founders of Marchesa; Francisco Costa, women’s creative director of Calvin Klein Collection; Shala Monroque, fashion and art consultant; Lauren Santo Domingo, Moda Operandi co-founder and creative director; and Elizabeth Saltzman, Vanity Fair contributing editor.
"It is a great honor for the four designers to be shortlisted for the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize because they were selected by an incomparable panel of fashion industry professionals who are leaders in their chosen fields," explains Bronwyn Cosgrave. As chairperson of the Prize, Cosgrave moderated the shortlist session. "The winner of the Prize will receive a substantial brand-building endowment and the rare opportunity to display their work to the international buyers and editors who flock to Hôtel Plaza Athénée during Paris fashion week. They will also emerge with something priceless - namely, the confidence imbued by the recognition they have gained from our expert judges."
Thomas Tait, the winner of the 2010 Prize, which was staged at The Dorchester in London, recently consulted on the staff attire for the intimate and contemporary 45 Park Lane, the newest Dorchester Collection hotel, which will open in September 2011 in London.
High resolution images of the 2011 shortlist session will be available at http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr153850686 and a short video will be available soon. For interviews and more information contact Corey Finjer, Hawkins International PR at 212-255-6541 or corey@hawkpr.com.