AUSFF Announces 2019 Scholarship Award Winners: Domenic Roylance & Kim Clark

Sydney – Last night, the Australian Fashion Foundation (AUSFF) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the AUSFF Scholarship Awards with a cash prize that is the most generous on offer in Australia to a fashion graduate. 

The annual AUSFF Scholarship Awards presented by Bird in Hand and the American Australian Association (AAA) was held at 6pm on Tuesday 17 December 2019 at The Ivy Sunroom, George Street, Sydney. 

A panel of luminaries including British Vogue Fashion Critic, Anders Christian Madsen; Vogue Australia Editor-in-Chief, Edwina McCann; Fashion icon, Nancy Pilcher; Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief, Eugenie Kelly; Designer, Patrick Johnson; Legendary fashion stylist, Brana Wolf; AUSFF Co-Founder & Founder of Carfrae Consulting, Malcolm Carfrae; and Communications Consultant, Kara Hurry. Ten finalists selected from a range of applicants, including designers, photographers, stylists, writers and art directors, presented their work to the judges and two winners were chosen.

The 2019 finalists were: Caitlin Mullaly, Danielle Herbert, Domenic Roylance, Eliska Marczan, Geordie Tancheff, Jordyn Smith, Katarina Kristo, Kim Clark, Lucinda Connelley and Mei Zhang. The selected ten were graduates of the University of Technology, Sydney and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne.

The winners of the 2019 AUSFF Scholarship Awards were Domenic Roylance of University of Technology, Sydney and Kim Clark of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne. The winners each received a career-boosting opportunity – a six-month internship at a global fashion company in the US and USD$20,000. Artist, Louise Olsen, Co–Founder of Dinosaur Designs created and generously donated the bespoke 2019 award trophies to mark the 10th anniversary which were presented to the recipients by Australian-born, NYC-based model, Victoria Lee.

AUSFF Scholarships have led into exciting career opportunities for the 2018 winners, who are currently servingtheir award internships at WARDROBE.NYC and Dion Lee in New York. Past Scholarship winners have been placed in internships with global brands including Narciso Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne, Alexander McQueen, DVF, and Calvin Klein. From these internships, AUSFF alumni have secured roles at Chanel, Thom Browne and Louis Vuitton – just a few examples of the career trajectories which have propelled Australian talent forward after their win.  

Malcolm Carfrae said of the scholarship, “every year we receive hundreds of applications from young Australians with world-class fashion talent who would benefit from international experience and contacts. With the kind support of Bird in Hand and the American Australian Association, we are able to provide two of them with pivotal global mentorships and an internship with a top global brand.” 

“Since establishing a partnership between the AAA and AUSFF, our funding has provided the opportunity for emerging Australian designers to come to New York to learn from global fashion icons, leaders and innovators such as Dion Lee, WARDROBE.NYC and Proenza Schouler. A key focus of the AAA is to build on artistic exchange and collaboration between our two countries – we are excited to have a part in realizing the dreams and ambitions of the next generation in the arts,” said Ambassador John Berry (Ret’d.), President, American Australian Association.

Presenting partner, Bird in Hand is proud to be supporting the emerging talents of Australia’s finest fashion graduates, “we are delighted to help support young creative Australians to showcase their talents on the international stage,” said Andrew Nugent, Founder of Bird in Hand. 

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About AUSFF

Since 2009, the Australian Fashion Foundation has led the way in promoting and mentoring talented and passionate young Australians in the fashion and creative industries on a global scale by providing them with world class, hands-on international experience, to return home with globally recognized training and contacts. By opening these doors and creating this platform, the Australian Fashion Foundation not only propels the passions and paths of these individuals, but also serves to further expand and enrich the future of the Australian fashion industry, abroad and in Australia. The Australian Fashion Foundation was co-founded by Malcolm Carfrae (Carfrae Consulting) and Julie Anne-Quay (VFILES). 

www.ausff.org

About the American Australian Association:

Established by Sir Keith Murdoch in New York City in 1948, the American Australian Association (AAA) is the leading privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to deepening and strengthening cooperation and understanding between the institutions and people of the United States and Australia through its business, education, veterans and arts programs.

Recognizing the energizing effect of new environments, international collaborations, artistic exchange and educational opportunities, the AAA has to date awarded more than $1 million in grants to emerging or early career Australian and American artists who show promise in the fields of theatre, fashion, dance, film & television, music, literary arts, visual arts, craft and design.

www.americanaustralian.org

About Bird in Hand:

Bird in Hand is a world-renowned producer of fine wine that celebrates place and passion not only through expert vinification but also through food, art, and cultural events. Founded in 1997 by Andrew Nugent, Bird in Hand was created with the ambitious goal of making world-class cool-climate wine that captures the spirit of South Australia’s Adelaide Hills.

www.birdinhand.com.au