Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2013 announces winner

Huishan Zhang was named the winner of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize for 2013 during an intimate ceremony, which took place after the four short listed nominees presented their designs in a catwalk at The Dorchester, in London.

As winner, Zhang was awarded the amount of 25 thousand pounds as well as an engraved trophy, a complimentary stay at a Dorchester Collection hotel and the chance of having a personal mentoring session from one of the chosen judges. This years selected judges included Frederic Aranda, fashion and portrait photographer, Derek Blasberg, author and fashion writer and Nicholas Oakwell, couture designer.

Huishan Zang declared the winner out of four short listed nominees

Zhang was chosen over the other three nominees, who included Brazilian designer Barbara Casasola, as judges agreed his work truly reflected the essence of the Dorchester Collections hotels, luxury style, innovation and craftsmanship. Christopher Cowdray, the CEO of the Dorchester Collections commented: “We have been truly inspired and impressed by the creativity and craftsmanship displayed by our talented short listed designers. Dorchester Collection has a long-standing illustrious association with fashion and in launching its Fashion Prize became the first luxury hotel company to bestow such a prestigious award… Huishan Zhang will undoubtedly have a thriving career, as have the previous winners.” The awards preceding successes include Canadian designer Thomas Tait, who debut his SS14 collection at London Fashion Week this fall.

The Chinese-born winner, Zhang has created an exclusive brand by mixing his eastern roots with his western upbringing, using bright colors, silks and prints for his SS14 collection. While Zhang was still a student, he was asked for work for fashion house Dior and since then the designer has not looked back. Winning the prize has been another success for this upcoming designer: “This is a true encouragement and I’m thrilled with all the support I have received. The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize means the world to me and it will help me move forward and better structure my next collection. This is a pivotal point in my career.”

The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize was first established in 2010 and occurs annually at the Dorchester hotel. The luxury hotel group developed the award ceremony to celebrate and award emerging fashion talents.

Photos courtesy of image.net

Photos: The winner Huishan Zhang, The catwalk show