The end of the holidays signals the start of Fashion Week, or at least a slow descent into its proper mindset.
To kick it off, Ecco Domani’s announced their Fall 2010 awards. Their winners, including Prabal Gurung, The Blonds and Joseph Altuzarra in the womenswear category, John Patrick of Organic for sustainable design, and Irina Arakas for accessories each get $25,000 toward their fall presentation (plus wine for guests).
The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Awards are just one more way in which young American designers are offered a boost up come Fashion Week; Alex Wang, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Peter Som and Vena Cava have all won in the past and this year’s winners were chosen by a committee including Julie Gilhart, Sally Singer and Paper‘s Kim Hastreiter. On top of their individual shows and presentations, the winners will participate in a group show at Bryant Park on the 15th.
And while one could argue that Gurung doesn’t really need help – Oprah? Demi? Leighton? – his dresses belong on a runway and hopefully this award will elevate him from a presentation to just that.