Top fashion designer shares her prize with up-and-comer

Karen Walker and Adrian Hailwood

Fashion designer Adrian Hailwood will benefit from Karen Walker's largess and accompany her to London Fashion Week in February.

When Walker won the Air New Zealand-sponsored Fashion Week Export Growth Award in October, she vowed to use half the prize to take a designer with her to London when she stages her off-schedule show in February.

It was announced yesterday that she would take the 32-year-old Aucklander, sharing a prize poolof more than $30,000.

Hailwood, an up-and-comer with some stockists in London, Japan, Singapore and Los Angeles, was the stand-out to shadow Walker and make the most of her fashion industry contacts.

"Adrian's clearly hungry to grow his business and to export, and his latest collection is thoughtful and has a fresh look which is important in terms of potential export success. Also I think having a label that shares some common values and moods with mine is a benefit too as there's an easier fit with the people I'll be able to introduce him to," said Walker.

Hailwood is "absolutely thrilled" to have the chance to see how Walker deals with producing an international show and hopes to increase his sales in Asia and Europe as a result.

"I'm really chuffed," he said. "I totally rate Karen and the gesture of her not only taking me but trusting me and seeing my potential is really special."