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Debenhams announce design talent finalists

BY STYLE EDITOR, ON 22 JUN 2011 08:04 COMPETITIONSCOMMENTS

Maria Hawkins

We recently teamed up with Manchester Metropolitan University to launch a search for new design talent.

Now we are very pleased to be able to reveal our finalists…  Olivia Hewitt, Maria Hawkins and John Earnshaw who were shortlisted by designer Ben De Lisi, Design Director at Debenhams Karen Peacock and Manchester Evening News Fashion Writer Deborah Linton. However, you can have your say as to who should be selected the winner and be our fourth judge!

The finalists’ collections will take centre stage in the market street window of Debenhams Manchester on Friday morning.  For the first time, you will be able to vote for your favourite designer via Facebook at www.facebook.com/debenhams ahead of final judging next Tuesday.

Fashion designer and judge Ben de Lisi, said of the entrants: “It is going to be a tough job to agree on a final winner, but hearing what the customers at Debenhams think will be really interesting and has as much sway in the final decision as my views, so get voting.”

John Earnshaw

Olivia Hewitt

The winner’s prize

The finalists will finally get to sell their fashion to some of the leading names in the industry on 28 June for a chance of having their collection branded and sold in store.

All those who entered will receive help and advice from Ben de Lisi and Karen Peacock, the Debenhams Design Director behind the retailer’s new Edition collaboration range, as they produce their collections.

The winner will also enjoy ‘money can’t buy access’ to contacts and support within the industry as they enjoy a month of meeting senior buyers, sourcing experts, designers and business gurus while we make plans for their capsule collection to go into store for a limited time. Then customers will be able to place orders! We can’t wait!

Remember, you can leave comments here on the blog, but please cast your vote on Facebook to ensure your favourite has a chance to win.

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  • Linda Brooks

    Loving Olivia’s work. Of the three, something I might wear now. xoxo

  • http://Facebook.com Ann, West London, ENGLAND.

    So simple yet extremely ellegant Maria Hawkins top & skirt. They would appeal to ALL the public, not too far out!! It would of been helpful if the clothes shown had a description of their fabrics.
    loving Debs.

  • http://Facebook.com Ann, West London, ENGLAND.

    Only Debenhams could come up with helping Fashion design students @ Manchester Metropolitan University. Debenhams appear to be way ahead of other well know stores in ‘giving a leg up’ (so to speak!!) to our fantastic fashion & design students. Congrats to both Debs. & the Metropolitan University for this ‘coup’.

  • http://Facebook Giselle Lynch

    Maria’s collection is fantastic. A striking a signature but so wearable – Well Done Maria