April 18, 2005

Vancouver Fashion Week announces Designers of the Year. Vancouver Fashion Week is pleased to announce that accessory designer Jessie Turner and clothing designer Kellie Vasin of Where Now are the winners in the Designer of the Year competition.

A panel of professionals in the fashion industry judges the Designer of the Year competition, a regular component of VFW. This year Ruth Ho, buyer for The Bay's Canadian by Design, Cheryl Densky, designer of Schaart Clothing Company and instructor at the Art Institute and Vancouver Community College, and Jacqueline Kirby, executive director of Apparel BC, judged three shows- the Accessory Show and two Up and Coming Couture shows that were presented on the runway on April 9 and 10 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

It's always hard to select the top five designers in the accessory and clothing categories, but the judges were confident in their selection of the winners.

In business for just under a year, Jessie Turner creates organic and dynamic silver jewelry with a contemporary edge.

"When I work on projects that would be considered 'art jewelry,' I like to go big and unconventional. I like to express something through the medium that works with the body to complete the piece," explains Jessie. This was her second time participating in VFW so it was exciting to hear her name announced during the Designer of the Year presentation on Sunday April 10 at 4pm.

"It feels really great to get some recognition about my work from my colleagues. Now I'm going to take my boyfriend out for a nice dinner, buy myself some great new spring clothes, and the rest will go to materials for my next big project." Jessie Turner sells in Vancouver at Object Design Gallery, Dr. Vigari Gallery, Red Horses Gallery, Blue Ruby, VanNy, and Dream.

Visit www.jessieturner.ca.

Also a two-year veteran of VFW, Kellie Vasin of Where Now was very surprised and happy to hear her name announced.

"The money will help with my production costs which is fabulous," says Kellie.

Her gray strapless dress, blue sweater and black shirt-dress with small flocks of appliqué seagulls were a standout. Kellie likes to work in materials that feel natural and her creative style jumped out at the judges who would be impressed to know that Where Now has only been in business for a year and a half. Where Now is available for sale in Vancouver at Twigg and Hottie.

Both winners receive a $300 cash prize and a booth at Vancouver Fashion Week in September.

To interview the winners please contact:
Sarah Murray
The Honey Mustard Fashion and Media Services
604-734-5674
www.thehoneymustard.com