SOVEREIGN Hill, the iconic outdoor museum in Ballarat, Victoria, has announced the winner of its annual fashion design competition at a gala event in Beijing, China.
For the third year, Sovereign Hill challenged fashion students around the globe to push their creativity and skills by designing garments reminiscent of the 1850s. More than 300 students entered.
The winner Ms. ZHai Jianli from Leizhou, China, was selected from a pool of 10 finalists for her elaborate design. She also won the People’s Choice Award.
Featuring gold applique with navy and white detailing, the design called Blue Noble was selected for its creativity and authenticity to the gold rush era.
Most students had never heard of Victoria, let alone the history of the Australian gold-rush.
Organisers say that each year, the gowns and designs are more elaborate and authentic to the 1850s era with students doing painstaking research to create their gowns.
Australians will have a chance to see the finalists’ gowns when they are showcased as a part of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival in March.
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