Dorchester Collection announces Fashion Prize winner

Over the weekend, Anndra Neen was named the winner of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. The award was presented in The Rodeo Ballroom at The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection, after a runway presentation

 featuring models from cycle 18 of America's Next Top Model.

Jewellery and accessories brand Anndra Neen was founded by siblings Phoebe and Annette Stephens in 2009, and take their inspiration of the hand-crafted, original pieces they conceive from mixed metals from the time they spent in Mexico as children.

The duo were crowned winners, after the judges ‘agreed that the collection displayed best evoked the spirit of individuality, luxury, style and craftsmanship, which characterises Dorchester Collection's iconic hotels’. The judges, which included W's contributing fashion editor Giovanna Battaglia; author and editor Derek Blasberg; award-winning designers Thom Browne and women's creative director of Calvin Klein Collection Francisco Costa, and Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa, also felt that their work also ‘demonstrated critical distinction and the potential for future commercial success’.

For winning Anndra Neen receive $40,000, as well as the opportunity to display their work at Dorchester Collection's iconic Hotel Plaza Athénée during Paris Fashion Week in 2012.

"The talent for this year's shortlisted designers was extraordinary, and to have won is an honor. This, combined with the prestige of Dorchester Collection and recognition from judges who we admire, is overwhelming. The Fashion Prize and this type of exposure will help take our company to the next level," said Phoebe and Annette Stephens of Anndra Neen.

"Dorchester Collection has a long-standing and illustrious association with fashion and in launching the Fashion Prize we became the first luxury hotel group to bestow such a prestigious award. We are delighted to be promoting young talent and are confident that Anndra Neen will have a flourishing career. We look forward to their continued success," added Julia Record, director of communications, Dorchester Collection.

The Grand Final runway presentation featured four designers who were shortlisted for the prize - Anndra Neen, Giulietta, Julian Louie and Siki Im, and the event was filmed for an upcoming episode of America's Next Top Model, which will air in spring 2012.

The Dorchester Collective Fashion Prize was first awarded in 2010 to London-based ready-to-wear and footwear designer, Thomas Tait.

Image: Dorchester Collection, Michael Kovac