DANIELLA HELAYEL is helping to bring us the best in emerging design talent, as part of her role as judge for the 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. The former Issa designer has been busy whittling down a shortlist of candidates alongside her fellow British judges: Stephen Jones, Stephen Webster, Caroline Issa, Rupert Sanderson and Nicholas Oakwell.
The annual prize of £25,000 is awarded to one exceptional and exciting emerging designer, with contests held across Britain, Italy, Switzerland, France and America. But with such a varied group of judges, was it hard agreeing on five finalists? According to Helayel, surprisingly not.
„Everyone was so into it, it’s been super fun,“ she told us. „Although a few had our favourites – most agreed in the end. It took us a long time, but we are all really happy with our final five. There are some amazing designers, really very good. I was so impressed.“
So what exactly is she looking for in the next big thing?
„Technicality, originality – a proper product,“ she explained. „I want to see a really strong look and work that’s very highly skilled.“
The designer stressed the importance of helping young designers to flourish through initiatives such as this one. She revealed that she’d love to work with one – or more – of the five finalists in the future.
„It’s so important. People have expression – and they need support to show it. More people should follow the lead of the Dorchester Collection. They have such an amazing group of properties all over the world – from London to Beverly Hills – which means they have a great reach and the publicity that a designer can get from the contest is amazing. The financial aspect is helpful, of course, but the publicity is what’s really invaluable.“
Through the process, it seems that Helayel has found a natural love of mentoring. Having experienced worldwide acclaim through founding and helming her own label, Issa ( which she departed in May this year), the Brazilian-born designer has felt at home passing on words of wisdom.
„It’s great to be able to help, it’s something I’d love to do more of,“ she told us. „I love having interns asking my opinions, it’s an amazing feeling, and great to be able to pass on advice. I can tell them not to make the mistakes that I made when I was starting out – things that I didn’t know to ask, but do now.“
The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize winner will be announced on October 29, 2013, at the Dorchester Hotel in London, where the five finalists will put on a catwalk presentation. The judges will crown one winner who best demonstrates originality, flair and the potential for future commercial success.