And The Winner Is . . . Stephanie Young!

April 24, 2012 - PRLog -- Fashion Week New Orleans, which took place March 21-25; Top Design Competition received interest from over 30 up-and-coming designers; one as far away as the Caribbean.  And, while the search for the Gulf Coast region’s next big design star is an on-going mission of FW NOLA’s founder Tracee Dundas, the formal selection process began six to eight months before the chosen top ten designer’s fashions hit the catwalk.  Several of those submitting for consideration were recruited by Dundas; who is always in search of the most talented designers from the Southern region.

That was the case with Stephanie Young, who caught Dundas eye when she was invited to be one of the judge’s for LSU’s annual year end fashion show, showcasing styles created by the university design students.  Dundas’ saw Young’s potential and encouraged her to submit her application for FW NOLA’s Top Design Competition.  Young was one of ten emerging designers selected to debut their collection at FW NOLA’s opening night to vie for FW NOLA ’12 Top Designer crown.

Stephanie Young, a native of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, received her degree in Apparel Design in May 2011 from Louisiana State University.  Fashion ideologies have always influenced her life and evening gowns are the soul of her design aesthetic.   Young strives to create new twists on classic and flattering shapes because she believe feeling beautiful and confident should never come second to making a fashion statement.  Stephanie learned the importance of fit, construction, and attention to detail while interning for renowned New Orleans couture bridal designer, Suzanne Perron.

Speaking with Stephanie since being named “FW NOLA’s ’12 Top Designer”; she shares her excitement about the opportunities that have come her way in only a couple of weeks.  “I am so extremely excited and grateful for all the opportunities that have already come about from my experience with Fashion Week New Orleans! Besides the amazing prizes; (her collection will be carried by Vernon Clothier for 90 days with a two-day trunk show; a manufacturing package from NOLA Sewn, a feature fashion story in national magazine Amelie G., a photo shoot of her collection with photographer John Charles and a Brother’s Sewing Machine from AllBrands.com) one of my dresses will be worn by actress Judy Greer in the major motion picture Playing the Fields!  The film's costume supervisor; Dusty Wilson found me backstage before the final show on Saturday night, got my card, and had me ship a piece to the studio a few days later.”

It was explained to Young that there was no guarantee that her gown would definitely be used; other factors had to be taken into consideration. But a few days later she received a call letting her know that her dress had already filmed the scene!  Young could only scream with glee over the sheer thought of how quickly a new world of opportunities had opened up to her!  

Young’s reaction to this and being named Fashion Week NOLA’s ’12 Top Design Winner: “OMG! It has been totally a Miss America moment!”

FW NOLA was sponsored in part by: Paretti Jaguar, Dillard’s Dept. Store, Evamore Water, The Shops at Canal Place, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ciroc Vodka, Vanguard/Paul Mitchell, Magnolia Makeup, Glenn Michael Salon, H2O Salon, Vernon Clothier, NOLA Sewn, AllBrands.com,  John Charles Photography, Whitney Bank, The Westin Hotel, Gulf Premium Outlet, Amelie G. Magazine, New Orleans Magazine, Gambit, Where Y’at, nola.com, Jeff Strout Photography and Event Rental.

For more information on FW NOLA - www.fashionweeknola.com