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Chester Fashion

Next Alexander McQueen wins Young Designer Competition

Metallic chic was the inspiration for the winner of this year"s Young Designer event for Chester Fashion. More than 100 people attended the Young Designer of the Year Award at Cruise, St. John Street, which featured creations from Mid-Cheshire and West Cheshire College. Stephanie Kemp, of Middlewich, won the event with her “Mechanicalism” range and the 16 collections were modelled by students from the Hammond School and West Cheshire College.

Mid-Cheshire College student Stephanie was inspired by metal work, cogs and wheels and used silver, copper and bronze tones. Stephanie, 20, who is studying towards a BA in Clothing Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, won a professional photo shoot by winning the Chester catwalk show, where top models will wear her designs. The three winning collections will all feature in an exclusive photo shoot for Chester"s Christmas campaign.

Second place was awarded to Mid-Cheshire student Hannah Kinsey, 27, of Antrobus, Northwich with “Freakshow”, a Gothic range combining Victorian styling, cotton, lace, silk, embroidery and beading. Hannah Moffat, of West-Cheshire College, was awarded third place. Hannah"s collection “Eco Chic” was designed using recycled garments and natural fabrics.

Stephen Wundke, Chester City Coordinator, said:
“I would like to congratulate Stephanie on winning this competition. This is what Chester Fashion is all about – finding the next Vivienne Westwood or Alexander McQueen. Talent from the North-West is becoming increasingly recognised in the fashion world; former Mid-Cheshire student William Tempest has worked for Giles Deacon and this year was in the final for the prestigious London Fashion Fringe prize.”

Speaking after the event, Stephanie added:
"I"m very excited. This is the first major prize I have won. I"ve always loved making clothes and always had an interest in creating crazy collections, like those designed by Alexander McQueen, who uses extravagant materials. I wanted to give my clothes a metal effect, so that they look like they have sharp edges, but are actually made out of soft materials like wool. Winning Chester Fashion 2008 Young Designer of the Year has been a fantastic start to my career."

The judges were Emma Swinnerton, owner of The Vintage Shop on Watergate Street, Jessica Forbes of Dee 106.3, Mandy White, managing director of Get Funky Event Management and Emma Hill, editor of Spaces North-West Design Magazine.

Previous winners of the Young Designer competition include Nadia Komar in 2006 and Tara Harding and Michael McGahan in 2007, all from Mid-Cheshire College, who have gone on to design clothes across Europe, including work in Russia.

Chester’s Fashion 2008 forms an important part of Chester Festivals and is organised on behalf of Chester City Management and CHARISMA, with support from Visit Chester & Cheshire, Creative Industries Support Project (CRISP), The Grosvenor Shopping Centre, The Forum Shopping Centre, HSBC, Marketing Projects PR and Chester Festivals.

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PHOTOS (300dpi plus), PRESS OFFICE & REGULAR UPDATES at
http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/clientpo/chester-fashion-2008

Further CF08 KEY listings:

- Thurs. 25th September – Perfect Pins @ Castle Galleries, 6 – 8pm. Sponsor: Cruise Handbags, Upper Bridge Street, Chester.
Professional artist Simon Claridge is to paint a live model whilst you watch and unveil the finished painting at the Castle Gallery where guests can enjoy a champagne, canapé reception and fashion show.

- Friday 26 September – Live Windows. Grosvenor Shopping Centre
Back by popular demand and making fashion fun, models around the city will replace mannequins in shop windows to show off the hottest seasonal looks with a difference!

- Sat. 27th September – Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fashion Show
Three shows featuring labels from the Centre. Each will demonstrate how to wear the chosen garments and display inspirational ideas to accessorise them.

This is only a snapshot of key events – more information available.
London Fashion Week was established in 1993 and runs from September 14 to 19, 2008.

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

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

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