NEW YORK, Feb 1, 2012/ — At Stockholm Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, 28-year old Stine Riis was named the winner of the H&M Design Award 2012 where she presented her winning collection.
A graduate of London College of Fashion, Stine Riis is originally from Copenhagen and describes her style as “tailored future elegance.” Stine puts great importance into the creative process and wants the construction of the garments to be part of the design, while also making clothing that is both wearable and covetable.
Stine wins €50,000, and the chance to have around fifteen pieces from her collection sold in selected H&M stores in United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands in September.
Stine was chosen by a grand jury which included fashion designer Christopher Kane, noted fashion journalists Hilary Alexander and Kristopher Arden Houser, fashion blogger Susie Lau, H&M’s creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch and H&M’s head of design, Ann-Sofie Johansson
“I am still overwhelmed. Showing at Stockholm’s Mercedes-Benz fashion week has been such a great experience. I can’t believe so many people came to see my collection! This award gives me the confidence and financial back-up I need to pursue my dream of building my own brand. I couldn’t have imagined a better start to my career as a designer,” says Stine Riis, winner of the H&M Design Award 2012.
Meanwhile, the winner of the H&M Design Award People’s Prize was announced today as Anne Bosman. The prize has been decided by visitors to the H&M Design Award website, who have been voting since January 27 for their favourite collection.
Anne Bosman receives a month’s internship at Christopher Kane’s design studio in London, giving him the chance to gain invaluable experience with one of fashion’s hottest designers.
Set up to encourage and support the brightest young fashion talent, the H&M Design Award has seen graduates from fourteen colleges in six different countries compete first to be the local winner, and then go on to the grand prize jury. Today’s fashion show was the culmination of the award process, with Stine winning the opportunity to show her work at Stockholm’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The show was also streamed live at designaward2012.hm.com where the award process has been posted to inspire future generations interested in a career in fashion.
Photos by © Kristian Löveborg Fotografering / MBFW-Stockholm
