Lucie Boshier takes out Top Prize at Urbis Designday 2009

Fashion designer Lucie Boshier is moving to New York next month to launch her label in the USA, but she leaves having once again made a strong impression on all those who participated in Urbis Designday this year.

Out of the nine participating fashion designers, Lucie Boshier won Best Installation for her stunning recreation of the Cotton Club in Newmarket’s Natuzzi design showroom and the Westin Hotel won the ‘Best Ambience” prize for its collaboration with Zambesi.

Lucie’s 1920’s prohibition club was created inside the blacked-out design store with low lighting, incense, dancers, a singer, and many characters dressed in theme. Every detail was covered in this prohibition era club, right down to the beer being served in brown paper bags and the gin cocktails being offered in tea cups.

Lucie Boshier’s prize was an exquisite amethyst and diamond ring from Orsini Fine Jewellery in Parnell. “It feels good to be recognized and given the credit for working hard and going out on a limb,” said Lucie That’s what I love about Urbis, they embrace all types of design and celebrate the best of everything.”

At the Westin hotel however, Zambesi opted for tranquility, placing their bald, yet engaging mannequins knee-deep in the midst of the huge water-feature that is central to the Westin’s public areas. Dressed beautifully in Zambesi, the mannequins’ serenity was contrasted in by the gentle waterfall behind and a large transparent banner with yellow Zambesi logo floating gently amongst them.

Other amazing installations saw Huffer protesting to ‘Free the Fish’ at Poggenpohl, Lonely Hearts using an off-road motocross theme at Design Denmark, a silver wrapped room by WORLD at Cite, Murray Crane demonstrating bespoke tailoring at Apartmento and Karen Walker launching her new Resene paint colours at Matisse. Interior Designer Emma Kate Bamford created a kiwi bach at Coast and Jaeha made fashion come alive at Inovo.

This was the fourth Urbis Desigday, held on Saturday 28th March, and this year nine designers and design showrooms participated. Planning has already started for the 2010 event.