After reviewing several impressive submissions from around the nation, Jolie and Elizabeth is proud to announce the two winners from the 2011 Junior Designer Competition; Elise Doran and Nia Marie Dural.
Nia, a Fashion Design Graduate student at The Savannah College of Art and Design, draws her inspiration from
downtown Savannah, Georgia and young women who have “the sophistication of an old city but the freshness of
new life." She describes her piece, “The Leslie†as “timeless with a sheath dress silhouette" and “the pink detailing
and accents are whimsical and the side pockets are perfection for a young lady whose style is fresh, upbeat
and still refined."
Elise, a recent graduate from LSU with a Bachelors Degree in Apparel Design,
created “The Katie Dress.†She describes it as a “70's inspired maxi, classic fabric
with a modern silhouette.†The maxi dress felt like a long overdue Southern staple
that is romantic, easy, and sophisticated.
The two winning styles were chosen based on three basic design principles –
retail appeal, fit, and finish.
Both garments were beautifully constructed, with strong attention to detail
and representative of the Jolie and Elizabeth brand while remaining true to each designer’s style. The Leslie Dress and The
Katie Dress will be featured at New Orleans Fashion Week in October, produced for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection,
and sold under the Jolie and Elizabeth label at retail stores across the nation.
The aspiring designers will also be honored on Thursday, August 25th with a congratulatory party at Le Phare New
Orleans to showcase their pieces and celebrate the young talent with fashion, cocktails, and music. The event will mark
the culmination of their First Annual Junior Designer Competition, but also launch what will be a seasonal competition
that allows young designers an opportunity to create a piece under the New Orleans based line. Designers Jolie Bensen
and Sarah Elizabeth Dewey value the importance of holding the competition as part of their effort to motivate young,
aspiring designers and continue the growing fashion and manufacturing industry in Louisiana.
Jolie and Elizabeth welcome you to please join them at Le Phare New Orleans at 523 Gravier St. starting at 9pm on Thursday, August 25th to honor the 2011 Junior Designers.
