The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024 - Issue 36

bitefashion Mireille Van Der Kolk was awarded second place for her three heavily structured garments inspired by her med- ical background. It aimed to raise awareness of how the population’s general lifestyles impact our health. The col- lection also embodied Joanna Marcella’s desire to blend fashion and medical awareness. Each look sported pro- truding hunchbacks and padded fabric, which distorted the form of the body. “I have a background working in healthcare, so I was interested in making people aware of certain illnesses and how to solve them.” Other AS Awareness Design Award nominees were Maya Santos and Shirani Fernando. Santos’ FDC Pres- entation collection was inspired by traditional Portu- guese folklore and continued her usual style. “I am very passionate about costume design, so I try to make my clothes look dramatic.” This drama was presented in be- jewelled blood splatters on white corsets and full skirts, elongating the model’s form. Her favourite look, a strap- less gown, was inspired by A Lenda da Rapariga com Pés de Cabra (The Legend of the Girl With Goat Feet). Shirani Fernando owns Shirani Jewellery, a small busi- ness from Sri Lanka that creates delicate signature fea- tures and unique statement pieces. Her pieces are in- spired by architecture and showcase an understanding of three-dimensional spectacles on the runway for the presentation in honour of Angelman Syndrome. The jew- ellery designer described her brand’s development and personal style. “I prefer to make cultural jewellery that’s three-dimensional rather than 2D. The techniques are traditional and modern mixed. I first learnt how to make jewellery at university. Originally, I was a teacher, but I had to stop when I had two little children, so I later went back to university to finish my degree. I started making jewellery after graduating.” Also attending was Olita Peter’s Afrocentric collection of designs and headwear, 16-year-old Nathan Blair’s ode to the organic world made with recycled materials, and Poppy McEwan, the youngest of the designers. At 15 years old, Poppy explored construction with her design as she worked towards slowing down the fashion cycle. Every designer who attended the presentation of the collections had Joanna’s mentorship and their advoca- tion for Angelman Syndrome in common. FDC’s vision is to present an international platform for dynamic young fashion designers who can find their niche as individuals and become a brand in their own right. The Young Designer Awards and its related events aim to increase the number and visibility of young and exceptionally gifted multicultural UK and USA fashion designers and encourage them to reach their true po- tential by rewarding those who excelled creatively and academically. Interested parties can submit their interest on the FDC website. The FDC Young Designer Award UK is open to young London fashion designers, and the USA version is open to American fashion designers. The FDC Radical Designer Award UK is available to designers with an in- novative collection. The FDC Emerging Designer Award is open to UK and USA designers, and the Angelman Syndrome Awareness Award is open to UK and interna- tional designers of all ages. https://fdc-youngdesignerawards.weebly.com