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Peruvian fashion design alumna shortlisted for New Zealand catwalk show

Since graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 2016, Anna Mancilla has made her mark across the world showcasing her Willkas collection in Peru and now New Zealand, with another upcoming show in The Netherlands.

    Anna Mancilla catwalk line-up
    Anna Mancilla's catwalk line-up

    Now in its 14th year running, the iD Emerging Designer Show presents an inspiring catwalk show that brings the world’s latest fashion to New Zealand audiences.

    Anna Mancilla's collection
    Anna's Willkas collection

    Anna, who studied BA (Hons) Fashion Design at NTU, was one of 44 designers to be selected from 170 entries from over 50 fashion design schools across 22 countries, demonstrating the exceptional level and standard of her striking collection.

    The rising fashion designer told us: “I designed my collection to raise awareness of the ‘willkas of the present’, or ‘Peruvian children of low resources’, and the hardships they face, while embracing the traditional beauty in which they live.”

    Anna combined Peruvian cotton with knitted baby alpaca fur, merging the latest technology with traditional textile processes.

    She also teamed up with UK designer and fellow NTU alumna Priya Chawda, who designed stunning accessories to complement Anna’s colourful line-up. Anna approached the BA (Hons) Fashion Accessory Design alumna through a mutual friend after graduating, and will be using the same collection at her next show in the Netherlands.

    Anna Mancilla's collection
    Anna's Willkas collection

    The shoes were made in collaboration with inmates at the San Juan De Lurigancho Jail, where Anna volunteers part-time teaching them how to sew and weave.

    She continued: “I aim to bring a colourful conversation through fashion wherever I go and in whatever I do. I’m glad that I was able to bring awareness of my country and culture to an international fashion platform, and to demonstrate use of Peru’s natural resources.”

    What’s next for Anna? She’s been selected to showcase her collection at FASHIONCLASH Festival in the Netherlands, along with 30 other international fashion talents.

    FASHIONCLASH is an innovative and interdisciplinary showcase platform for fashion and a worldwide network of emerging designers and artists, also known for its thrilling crossovers with theatre and dance.

    Published on 10 May 2018
    • Subject area: Art and design
    • Category: NTU Arts; School of Art & Design