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Chester Fashion 2007

Moscow ambitions for Chester Fashion 2006 winner

A novice Russian fashion designer who took part in last year’s Chester Fashion has returned to this year’s event a step closer to following her dreams. Nadia Komar followed her success in the New Designers Award for her little black dress design last year by winning two further competitions.

The dress was featured in Chester’s Christmas campaign. She plans to return to Moscow to create her own fashion line and open a store. This year’s New Designer Evening at Chester Town Hall will showcase the best of graduate fashion and is being held on Monday September 24.

Nadia won first prize in Chester Fashion’s Little Black Dress Competition last September with Hannah Kinsey and a few days later 103.4 Marcher Sound held a competition to redesign a t-shirt. Nadia came first in that competition and won her design returned in a frame.

In April, Nadia took part in a competition for students to create an outfit for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree. Nadia won that competition also, receiving £250. Nadia’s design was also made for her to wear at Lady’s Day at Aintree.

Stephen Wundke, chairman of Chester Fashion 2007, said: “It is fantastic that Chester Fashion’s influence has spread as far as Moscow. I would like to congratulate Nadia on following her dreams and winning three competitions within a year. This is what Chester Fashion is all about – finding the next Vivienne Westwood or Alexander McQueen. That is what we are looking for at this year’s New Designer Evening. Designers this year have been asked to take the 2008 Cheshire Year of Gardens for their influences in design and we are looking forward to seeing the creative talents working this in to their brief. “

Nadia, 25, now in her Second and Final Year at Mid-Cheshire College, said: “I’ve won all of the competitions I’ve entered and Chester Fashion kicked that all off. I really loved being involved in Chester Fashion last year. Chester Fashion will always be the most remarkable event I was involved in, as it was the first. I will remember it always, as it gave me the confidence to actually become a fashion designer. I wasn’t sure I could do it. I am now in my final year and dream of returning to Moscow to create my own line and open my own shop. My parents were against fashion design as a career, but now they are supportive. I would consider opening a shop in Chester, if Moscow is a success.”

Nadia will be there at this year’s event to encourage others. The New Designer Evening starts at 7.30pm at Chester Town Hall on September 24. Competitions, including young designer and young photographer, are open to anyone under 25 with less than two years experience working in the design industry. Tickets cost £10 and can be bought by calling 01244 350233.

Chester Fashion 2007 forms an important part of Chester Festivals and is organised on behalf of Chester City Council and CHARISMA, with support from the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Visit Chester & Cheshire, Creative Industries Support Project (CRISP), The Mall Grosvenor, The Forum Shopping Centre, HSBC, 103.4 Marcher Sound and Trinity Mirror.

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Background

PHOTOS (300dpi plus), PRESS OFFICE & REGULAR UPDATES at www.marketingprojects.co.uk/news.asp?clientid=67 Last year’s event report/photos at http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/clientpo/67/news/572

Notes

For more information on Chester Fashion Fortnight please visit: www.visitchester.com/festivals

Further CF07 KEY listings:

Wednesday 19th September Chester Fashion Launch Event @ The Duke of Westminsters’ Eaton Hall with Save the Family The launch of Chester Fashion 07, 7pm for 7.30pm. For tickets please call: 01244 350233

Monday 24th September New Designer Evening with the Young Designer and Young Photographer Competitions Chester Town Hall, Chester CH1 2HS 7.30pm

Wednesday 26th September The Face of Chester Fashion at the Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel supported by Chronicle Newspapers and Chester Retailers. In association with Boss Model Management Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel St John Street, Chester, CH1 1HL Tel: 01244 323186 7.30pm

Friday 28th September Graduate Fashion Show The Forum Shopping Centre Northgate Street Tel: 01244 313824 Shows at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1pm.

The Mall Fashion Show & Make- over Competition The Mall Grosvenor Chester CH1 1EA Tel: 01244 342942

Press Contacts: Jane Harrad-Roberts Mob: 07785 395705 Phil Brotherhood Mob: 07884 493370 MARKETING PROJECTS : Tel: 01244 330000

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