David Ferreira wins 'Mercedes-Benz Stars' competition

By

Chenu Alexis

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
Oct 5, 2016

The jury of the first edition of the 'Mercedes-Benz Stars' competition, launched last March and presided by French couturier Alexis Mabille, has chosen its first winner. It is Portugal-born designer David Ferreira, 25, who is already in charge of his own eponymous brand.

David Ferreira graduated in 2015 in Fashion Design at London's University of Westminster, and has worked notably at Iris Van Herpen, Giles Deacon and Meadham Kirchhoff. He was unanimously chosen from a shortlist of 9 finalists, which included French designer Charlie Le Mindu and furrier Quentin Veron.

Ferreira launched his own label, with support from a Dubai investor, after topping other emerging designers competitions: the international VFiles prize in 2015, with his first collection, for the Spring/Summer 2016 season, presented at the New York Fashion Week; and the Merit Award at Fashion Scout London for his second collection, showcased in London and Lisbon.

Ferreira's label has "a couture vibe, he explained, for the time being reserved to a private clientèle - he has notably collaborated with singer Björk for one of her videos - and its commercial development is still under evaluation." Ferreira is inspired by the John Galliano of the Dior era and by Iris Van Herpen. He won the 'Mercedes-Benz Stars' competition with a patent leather modular dress with all-over embroidery, featuring the Mercedes-Benz logo. The prize is a cheque for €15,000 and the support offered by Mercedes-Benz for one year.

"This creation represents my vision of the Mercedes world, inspired by the idea of a woman posing on a car bonnet, whose dress, ruffled by the wind, turns into a star," explained David Ferreira.

The jury president, Alexis Mabille, chose the 30 competing designers himself, among "those who already have their own label, even if still nascent, and are already entrepreneurs, remarkable for their highly diverse identities, different from those of newly-graduated students." Mabille admitted he was fascinated by the winner, "[who is] charming, honest and passionate, wishing to express himself without necessarily wanting to become a fashion star."

The competition's second edition is expected to be held next year.