iD Emerging Designers

Since 2003 iD Dunedin Fashion Week has included the iD International Emerging Designer Awards which is now the premier event.

Professor Margo Barton, Academic Leader for Fashion at Otago Polytechnic, is the current Chair of the iD Dunedin Fashion Week’s Executive Board and has been a committee member since 2001. She says Otago Polytechnic Fashion students are integral to managing the Awards successfully.

About 70 students are involved each year, doing all sorts of things. The first and second year students work backstage, dressing the models. They get to see the amazing clothes up close, designs from all around the world. Third and fourth year students are helping produce the event, including hosting international visitors to Dunedin. The students have conversations with these designers about their techniques and make valuable industry connections. Some exciting opportunities arise for the students out of these connections.