Breast cancer campaign offers chance to cut it with the best

Trelise Cooper's design from last year.

Design students nationwide have been offered the chance to attract the attention of the country's biggest fashion houses and support a worthy cause at the same time.

Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, Huffer, Trelise Cooper and Nom D will design T-shirts for sale in Glassons clothing stores to raise money for the annual Breast Cancer Research Trust T-shirt campaign.

They will also judge students' work, and choose an entry to join the range.

Group managing director of Glassons Cliff Kinraid said it offered a huge chance to the winning young designer: "It is the opportunity of a lifetime as their creation will be worn by hundreds of girls and women around New Zealand."

Mimi Lloyd, chairwoman of the Breast Cancer Research Trust, said she hoped having a young designer involved would create awareness for young people. "It can happen to you at 18 or 20".

Since the campaign began four years ago, it has raised $1.5 million. Last year's takings were $760,000.

Glassons donates $10 to the trust for every top that is sold.

Karen Walker said she was delighted to be able to contribute to breast cancer research.

"It's a pretty nice feeling. It's really satisfying which is why we're coming back for a third time."

Mr Kinraid said the campaign offered people a chance to buy clothing from one of New Zealand's leading designers and support a worthy cause.

"The cause itself is why it has been so successful. Everybody has a story to tell about someone who has been touched by breast cancer."

The designers received no financial return for their work.

"They give their time, they are very co-operative. They're excellent."

New Zealand has a high rate of breast cancer. It affects one in 10 women and claims 600 lives every year.

Art and design students aged 13 and over can obtain entry forms through education institutes and submit their work by October 28.