Last weekend, designers Phoebe and Annette Stephens of New York accessories brand, Anndra Neen, took home the $40,000 Dorchester Collection Fashion prize after a presentation taped for an upcoming episode of America's Next Top Model.
The panel of judges—which included Marchesa's Georgina Chapman, Francisco Costa, Keren Craig and Derek Blasberg—were only given fifteen minutes to deliberate between the contestants.
In addition to the considerable prize money, the winner also received a Paris Fashion Week show at the famous Plaza Athénée—awfully high stakes for such quick decision-making.
No surprise, then, that Costa was dripping beneath the set lights.“That was tough, and we’re still fighting about it,” the designer told WWD.
The prize money will certainly bolster the young brand, and the exposure on America's Next Top Model will introduce the brand to a much wider audience. The only thing we wonder is how an accessories brand is going to orchestrate an entire catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week.
