Dame Trelise Cooper has been awarded the prestigious Mercedes-Benz presents accolade, which recognises designers who use quality materials, have unique style and demonstrate innovative design.
It’s the first time the award has been extended to New Zealand, with international designers Carolina Herrera, Carla Zampatti, Monique Lhuillier, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Badgley Mischka, Derek Lam and Narciso Rodriguez receiving it in the past.
Dame Trelise said her brand was synonymous with Mercedes-Benz in that they both strived for innovative and timeless design.
“I feel very honoured to have been asked to be the first designer to show at the inaugural and prestigious Mercedes-Benz Presents event in New Zealand.”
The designer’s autumn/winter 2015 collection will debut at New Zealand Fashion Week this year under the title ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents Trelise Cooper’.
NZFW founder Dame Pieter Stewart said Dame Trelise was an obvious first choice for the Mercedes-Benz Presents award.
“NZFW is thrilled to have Mercedes-Benz on board as an elite sponsor and looks forward to a long association with this premium brand.”
The automobile company has had a two-decade long association with fashion, as the title sponsor of Australia, New York and Berlin fashion weeks, among others.
Since establishing her business in 1985, Dame Trelise has expanded her brand beyond her eponymous line to include Cooper, a diffusion line, a work wear-inspired Boardroom collection and Coop, a playful younger range.
