Anndra Neen Announced Winner of 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize

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Oct 30, 2011, 04:30 ET

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anndra Neen is the winner of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. The award was bestowed last night in The Rodeo Ballroom at The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection, after a spectacular runway presentation featuring models from cycle 18 of America's Next Top Model. The event was filmed for an upcoming episode of America's Next Top Model, which will air in spring 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111030/NY96199 )

Anndra Neen received USD $40,000 from Dorchester Collection as well as the opportunity to display their work at Dorchester Collection's iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée during Paris Fashion Week in 2012.

The judges of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize included W's contributing fashion editor Giovanna Battaglia; author and editor Derek Blasberg; award-winning designers Thom Browne and women's creative director of Calvin Klein Collection Francisco Costa; Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa; Shala Monroque, creative director of Garage Magazine; Moda Operandi co-founder and creative director Lauren Santo Domingo; and Vanity Fair contributing editor Elizabeth Saltzman.

After a tense deliberation period, the judges agreed that the collection displayed by Anndra Neen best evoked the spirit of individuality, luxury, style and craftsmanship, which characterizes Dorchester Collection's iconic hotels. Their work also demonstrated critical distinction and the potential for future commercial success.

"Dorchester Collection has a long-standing and illustrious association with fashion and in launching the Fashion Prize we became the first luxury hotel group to bestow such a prestigious award. We are delighted to be promoting young talent and are confident that Anndra Neen will have a flourishing career. We look forward to their continued success," said Julia Record, director of communications, Dorchester Collection.

The Grand Final runway presentation of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize was staged by the four designers shortlisted for the prize - Anndra Neen, Giulietta, Julian Louie and Siki Im. Its preparation process was captured by America's Next Top Model.

"Being there at the beginning of people's careers to help support them is something I truly enjoy and Anndra Neen displayed a multi-cultural talent of mixing art with fashion, which is timely. They are two empowered women who have created a family business and have a real depth of talent," said Elizabeth Saltzman, judge of Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. "Dorchester Collection has created a Fashion Prize that provides a strong foundation for upcoming designers to build their brand on."

"While the judges agreed that Anndra Neen's brand will thrive in the near future, the one-of-a- kind artisanal quality of their hand-crafted jewelry and accessories beautifully reflects the originality and spirit of bespoke craftsmanship which defines Dorchester Collection hotels," said Bronwyn Cosgrave, chairperson of Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize.

Uzo, international make up artist for NARS Cosmetics, beautified the models while Joseph Kendall, co-proprietor of the Joseph Martin Salon at The Beverly Hills Hotel, styled their hair. Along with the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize, the winner received a striking trophy from Baccarat to commemorate the important moment.

The exciting event drew to a glorious close as VIP guests toasted the winner with Chandon Rosé, courtesy of Domaine Chandon - the first American sparkling wine venture established by a French Champagne house Moët & Chandon - as well as the 'Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize Fizz' cocktail conceived especially for the occasion by Belvedere Vodka.

"The talent for this year's shortlisted designers was extraordinary, and to have won is an honor. This, combined with the prestige of Dorchester Collection and recognition from judges who we admire, is overwhelming. The Fashion Prize and this type of exposure will help take our company to the next level," said Phoebe and Annette Stephens of Anndra Neen.

High resolution images of the 2011 shortlist session are available at http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr158397701.

Notes to editors

Anndra Neen

The jewelry and accessories brand Anndra Neen was established by siblings Phoebe and Annette Stephens in 2009. The inspiration of the hand-crafted, original pieces they conceive from mixed metals are diverse and informed by the childhood they spent in Mexico surrounded by art and legendary artists.

For more information including biographies about the judges and the winning designer, please visit dorchestercollection.com/dorchester-prize.

Dorchester Collection

Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of the world's foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the USA, each of which reflects the distinctive culture of its destination. By applying its unrivalled experience and capability in owning and operating some of the greatest individual hotels, the company's mission is to develop an impeccable group of the finest landmark hotels through acquisition as well as management of wholly-owned and part-owned hotels, and to enter into management agreements.

The current portfolio includes the following hotels (in order of them joining the group):

The Dorchester, London
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills
Le Meurice, Paris
Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris
Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan
Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
Coworth Park, Ascot, UK
45 Park Lane, London
Le Richemond, Geneva