The fairest dress of them all
Brightening her career path, 21-year-old Benoni resident Lizan Zondagh claimed the first place Young Designer title at the 2013 Wedding Expo -- Young Designers Bridal Awards.
Zondagh is a third year student at the Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy and designed the winning dress of this national competition held at the Coca Cola Dome in August.
Entries were made through fashion design schools around South Africa, with the ones fitting the right criteria being judged in the finals.
The panel of judges were made of radio and TV presenter Ashley Hayden, owner of Naked Ape menswear Shaldon Kopman, wedding couturier and co-owner of Wedding Emporium Guy Granger, CEO of Ford Fashion Productions and Fashion Group SA Eleanor Ford and managing director of the Wedding Expo Amanda Cunningham.
Judging was based on the originality, innovation, strength of concept and inspiration elements behind the design.
Creative interpretations of the concept, wearability, commercial viability, choice of fabric and trim, as well as their technical awareness were also aspects mentioned influencing the final decision.
Zondagh walked away with her first prize earning of an industrial direct drive four thread overlocker.
She feels honoured to have won this award, particularly since it was her “very first competition.”
“There were many late nights that went into my dress but it was definitely worth it,” expressed Zondagh.
She added that she is grateful to The Wedding Expo for the learning opportunity, experience and exposure.
“With this competition, the Wedding Expo is now encouraging designers in an earlier phase of their career as well,” said Cunningham.
Kopman said he found the ambition of the entrants both encouraging and admirable.
