Being a Londoner, I sometimes  find myself guilty of a bit of "Big CIty Short Sightedness". Its the phenomenon where people in London forget that  their exist  a vast world outside of London. A short while ago I was invited to a Fashion tradeshow and  I accepted the invitation just assuming that It would be held in London, much to m dissapointment I releaized on the day of the show that the  show was actually in Leeds and I hadn't booked  accomodation or transport..needless to say it didnt end well.

Ive learnt from my mistake and now I am always looking for events happening beyond the M25. The Midlands Young Fashion Designer Awards (MYFDA) is  one such event. Its an annual event created in Birmingham and aims to expose the wealth of creative talent across the Midlands. The MYFDA Awards have established a reputation as a launch pad for cutting-edge regional fashion design talent. The annual event offers up and coming and emerging fashion designers the opportunity to gain invaluable experience on a professional platform while at the same time unearthing some of the most outstanding design talent in the region.

On the 24th October 2009, the Midlands Young Fashion designer Awards (MYFDA) was back for one night putting the spotlight on emerging talent from Birmingham and the Midlands region resulting in a fabulous night of fashion, champagne and goody bags where three talented designers were announced as the 2009 winners.

20 designers were put through their paces all showcasing their collections to compete for a chance to be crowned the best in their category: Ready to Wear, Evening Wear and Haute Couture. Each collection was judged by a panel of industry professionals including Fashion Fringe Festival Winner Gavin Douglas and Couture Designer Sulaimi Brookman, Helen Parker from Me, Myself-and-I online fashion boutique and Holly Senior from ‘69’ Sixty Nine Magazine.

Winner of the Ready to Wear Category Laura Smith Said: “There were some really great designs so winning the award has made me feel more confident about my own work and ambitions to go further. My collection was inspired by various pieces of artwork and designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, which then inspired me to create my own artwork to use as print on my garments.”

There was also a surprise award for best overall designer sponsored by ‘69’ Sixty Nine Magazine which went to Haute Couture winner Lucinda Holbrook whose winning collection will feature alongside top labels in a fashion spread for ‘69’ Sixty Nine Magazine. “To win twice was just more than I could ever wish for. I have been entering competitions for six years so to finally be recognised as a talent is the best feeling in the world. This is a brilliant opportunity for me and I really want to make the most of it” exclaimed Lucinda.

Evening Wear winner Fiona Clarke from Nottingham said “I’m constantly aware that I would like to have my own label and winning this award has given me the experience to help me make this possible in the future”.

Each lucky winner will get a work placement and mentorship within the fashion industry, the chance to sell their collections on Me Myself & I online boutique, a designer profile in 69 magazine and a business start up book ‘How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label’ contributed by Toby Meadows, Director of the womenswear label Belle & Bunty which should help get them on their way.

The beautiful models were preened by Stephen Fordham from Essensuals Rugby and a team from Toni & Guy while guests were treated to music from local up and coming singer Yelitza.

This year the MYFDA went pink and raised money for Breast Cancer Campaign. Raffle prizes included a deluxe fashion photo shoot form New

Img Source: Andy Espin