“It will have been almost five years and has been an
unbelievable experience. I have seen the industry grow and develop. My
dream has always been to help new talent, and enable them to succeed."
Massenet, whose ventures have changed the internet and
luxury retail landscape globally, is an interesting choice to inherit the title
in a time when fashion is becoming more global day by day. "I know that I
am inheriting this position with the British Fashion Industry in the best shape
of its life," she said. "Maintaining and growing that reputation in
Great Britain and around the world is a responsibility that I take very
seriously."
Someone who will surely appreciate these efforts is
Haizhen Wang, who last night was awarded this year's Fashion Fringe award.
Chosen by the initiative's founder Colin McDowell and guest chair Burberry head
Christopher Bailey, Wang showed a collection inspired by historical Japanese
armour and the work of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This manifested in
sculptural, voluminous designs of draped and pleated leather and wool.
Accessorized with untreated wooden and leather block heeled sandals and black
wooden bird like armour headpieces.
Bailey said his choice was influenced by Wang's
"work and approach, and well-rounded nature. He had a sense of vision of
how he might build a brand. It was a tough decision, the three finalists all
had strong points of view and huge potential. Now I want Wang to find his voice
and slowly grow a business." While Bailey said that the experience was a
privilege, McDowell acknowledged how lucky the finalists were too.
"Christopher devoted more time to the three finalists than any other
chair. I always felt he was just a phone call away if we needed him and that
gave us confidence."
For his part Wang felt that Bailey was an
inspirational mentor. "He's the best example of how to support creativity
with commercial success," said the winner who believes his experience as a
designer for Max Mara and All Saints stood him in good stead. "My next
step is to find more stockists and start work on the next collection,” added
Wang, who as winner will receive support worth £100,000 and show at London
Fashion Week in February.
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