iD Internationl Emerging Designer Award Winners
After a long day of presentations in front of a panel of Aotearoa’s industry elite, the incredible 22 iD International Emerging Designer Awards finalists have been thoroughly put through their paces and presented some of the most creatively inspiring and technically impressive collections to date.
Head judge Tanya Carlson (Carlson) was joined by Juliette Hogan (Juliette Hogan), Dan Ahwa (Viva Magazine creative and fashion stylist), Dane Johnston (Kow Tow), Margarita Robertson (NOM*d) and Tara Viggo (Paper Theory) on the judging panel.
The Hutton Theatre at Tūhura Otago Museum had a buzz reminiscent of any backstage space at a major fashion event, with models being dressed and styled, garments being steamed and tweaked and a palpable air of excitement.
Guest judge Dan Ahwa was excited by the incredible collection in this year’s competition:
“This year's cohort of finalists for the Emerging Designer Awards have followed in the footsteps of the many other iD Emerging Designer alumnus over the years in that they have really considered all aspects of their design thinking. From the concept stage to execution, to the consideration of fabric innovation and storytelling, it was a great judging experience with my fellow judges who all care deeply about the potential of these designers and how they navigate their life beyond the awards process. I'm excited for next year's awards already, because what we know about iD Dunedin is that it has set the highest standard for conceptual fashion design that combines creativity with technical know-how - not only locally, but internationally. That is something Aotearoa should be proud of, and the emerging designers of 2025 are all proof that critical design thinking and original ideas are still valuable to the future of fashion.”
The finalists all showed their collections at the two iD Dunedin Fashion Show’s over the weekend at the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, with models walking one of the world’s longest catwalks along the train platform, in front of a very excited crowd.
The prize winners are:
McMillan & Co First Prize: Ciaran Naylor, Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand
Dunedin Airport Second Prize: Chih-Yao Wu, Shih Chien University, Taiwan
Affinity Advisor’s iD Third Prize: Twy, Royal Melbourne institution of Technology, Australia
Otago Polytechnic People’s Choice Award: Yu Chen Xu, Shih Chien University, Taiwan
Brand Aid Fashion Photography Award: Gemma Bartholomew, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
VIVA Top NZ Designer: Vince Ropitini (Taranaki, Ngā Ruahinerangi, Ngāti Mutunga, Whakatōhea), Massey University, New Zealand
Polson Higgs Entrepreneur in Design Award: Vince Ropitini (Taranaki, Ngā Ruahinerangi, Ngāti Mutunga, Whakatōhea), Massey University, New Zealand
Property Broker’s Most Commercial Collection: Yu-Hsuan Weng, Shih Chien University, Taiwan
Cooke Howlison Mini Sustainability Prize: Ciaran Naylor, Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand
Minchmoor Farm Natural Luxury with Wool Award: Christina Suntovski, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia
All images Seen in Dunedin, images are in order of winners above