TEXAS NEXT TOP DESIGNER dreams become a reality Written by Epiphany Ciers Photography courtesy of Texas Next Top Designer
D
esigners know the struggle all
party in honor of their achievement in design.
nity to display their work. Clothing designer
too well. Many designers stay
In 2012, models presented the finalists’ work at
Abi Ferrin and jewelry designer Rachelle Dau-
up day and night perfecting a
DISH on October 24, introducing them to the
phinée are both protégés of TNTD. Ferrin’s
piece in their collection only
world. Each January, a gala and fashion show
design career took off after she won TNTD in
to face the criticism of others, and some find
is held with nearly 400 people in attendance
2007. Her collections are now sold in major
it difficult to balance design and their personal
where competitors are given the opportunity
retailers such as Nordstrom and Stanley Kor-
lives. While most fashion designers dream of
to showcase 3 pieces. The gala and show al-
shak. Dauphinée competed in TNTD in 2007 as
their own clothing line and await the day that
lows the board of directors to narrow it down to
well, and was named a finalist. Dauphineée’s
it will become a reality, the Texas Next Top Designer competition provides regional designers with the opportunity for those dreams to come true. Founded in 2006, Texas Next Top Designer is a non-profit organization that is dedicated
jewelry designs can also be found in retailers
ional e competition provides reg
“Th
designers with the opportunity for those dreams to become a reality...”
such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Stanley Korshak. Though both designers worked tirelessly for years, TNTD played a major role in their climb to the top. Board Member of TNTD Diane Reeves (also
to helping designers and entrepreneurs in the
the top 10 contestants. The winner of the com-
president and owner of D. Reeves Productions)
fashion industry. Though it began as a fashion
petition is awarded a trip to New York Fashion
advises those with similar dreams to focus on
incubator, the organization has developed into
Week, along with a variety of resources like
education, learn the business side of the fash-
a competition that is held once a year to once
networking opportunities with industry leaders,
ion industry, gain knowledge of fabrics, and
every other year.
and press from both local and national media
learn the art of tailoring among many other im-
The process works like this: contestants
channels. This competition influences finalists
portant skills. She encourages hopefuls to be
from all over the state of Texas submit an ap-
to focus on innovation, construction, quality,
involved in as many internship opportunities
plication, and the TNTD board of directors in-
marketability, production processes and a clear
as possible in order to use those experiences
terviews designers, and reviews their written
financial plan for their line. They gain a wide
to reach the goal. “If you are a college student,
and oral presentations. Judges look for con-
variety of knowledge on the fashion business
you are in the best position a person with pas-
testants that bring ‘newness’ and excitement
including proper presentation, public relations
sion for a certain field could be in. Knowledge
to the fashion world, as well as a great verbal,
and networking.
is power and networking is the key to success.
written, focused, and realistic presentation.
Many types of designers participate in the
The combination of both can make your dreams
Contestants that are chosen as finalists attend
competition. Jewelry, contemporary women’s
a reality.”
many events in the City of Dallas planned by
apparel, menswear, formal wear, swimwear,
For more information about Texas Next Top Designer visit the
the organization, including an announcement
and even shoe designers have the opportu-
website: http://www.texasnexttopdesigner.org
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