Hand and Lock Embroidery

And the winner is…

Congratulations to Ms. Maria Lavigina from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, Israel, 1st prize  winner of the 2008 Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery.

Judging took place in Hand & Lock studio in Central London on Friday 5th September. Maria presented an evening gown styled with a decorative belt, highly embellished with different embroidery techniques. The belt embroidered on Duchess satin was inspired by Giger’s work and demonstrates strong embroidery skills using trapunto and beaded work. Maria will be presented with a cheque for $15,000 USD along with a host of other awards presented by sponsors of the Prize at this years ‘Embroidery … in Fashion’ conference to be held at the London College of Fashion on 8th November 2008.

Our congratulations goes as well to second and third prize winners Victoria Ann Relph from the University of Cumbria, and Solomon Harris-Light from Raffles University, Australia. Victoria and Solomon both submitted wonderful pieces, respectively an embroidered hat and a remarkable grey dress with a succession of sequins.

This year, the quality of the entries was so high that judges could not agree only on 3 winners. Therefore, for the first time in the Prize history it has been decided that the commendation will not go to one student only but to two! The 2008 Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery commendations go to:

• Victoria Helen Geary from Falmouth University College
• Edward Tung from Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, USA

The Madeira Prize of $1,700 USD that reward the highest placed college or university to include the ‘Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery’ prize brief within its curriculum goes to the University of Cumbria (UK).

This 2008 Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery certainly was the year for new: we are proud to introduce a new sponsor CRYSTALLIZED(tm) – Swarovski Elements. The first 2008 Swarovski prize was awarded to Jan Knibbs from Bath Spa University; Jan will be presented a Crystal trophy by CRYSTALLIZED(tm) – Swarovski Elements.

To see all the second stage entrans work please click here

Garments from all second stage entrants’ work from the 2008 prize will be part of the Fashion Show hosted at this years Conference on Saturday 8th November. This show will run alongside catwalk collections from LCF students, and some of the exciting designers we supported at London Fashion Week.

For more information about the Conference please visit: www.handembroidery.co.uk/2008embroideryconference