Anndra Neen is the winner of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. The award was bestowed last night in The Rodeo Ballroom at The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection, after a spectacular runway presentation featuring models from cycle 18 of America’s Next Top Model. The event was filmed for an upcoming episode of America’s Next Top Model, which will air in spring 2012.
Anndra Neen received USD $40,000 from Dorchester Collection as well as the opportunity to display their work at Dorchester Collection’s iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée during Paris Fashion Week in 2012.
The judges of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize included W’s contributing fashion editor Giovanna Battaglia; author and editor Derek Blasberg; award-winning designers Thom Browne and women‟s creative director of Calvin Klein Collection Francisco Costa; Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa; Shala Monroque, creative director of Garage Magazine; Moda Operandi co-founder and creative director Lauren Santo Domingo; and Vanity Fair contributing editor Elizabeth Saltzman.
After a tense deliberation period, the judges agreed that the collection displayed by Anndra Neen best evoked the spirit of individuality, luxury, style and craftsmanship, which characterizes Dorchester Collection‟s iconic hotels. Their work also demonstrated critical distinction and the potential for future commercial success.
“Dorchester Collection has a long-standing and illustrious association with fashion and in launching the Fashion Prize we became the first luxury hotel group to bestow such a prestigious award. We are delighted to be promoting young talent and are confident that Anndra Neen will have a flourishing career. We look forward to their continued success,” said Julia Record, director of communications, Dorchester Collection.
The Grand Final runway presentation of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize was staged by the four designers shortlisted for the prize - Anndra Neen, Giulietta, Julian Louie and Siki Im. Its preparation process was captured by America’s Next Top Model.
“Being there at the beginning of people‟s careers to help support them is something I truly enjoy and Anndra Neen displayed a multi-cultural talent of mixing art with fashion, which is timely. They are two empowered women who have created a family business and have a real depth of talent,” said Elizabeth Saltzman, judge of Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. “Dorchester Collection has created a Fashion Prize that provides a strong foundation for upcoming designers to build their brand on.”
Photos by Getty Images/Dorchester Collection