Since 2010, The Dorchester Collection has made waves in the fashion world with its annual fashion prize, which honors an emerging designer. The luxury hotel group assembles a rock star panel of judges to preside over the event. Past winners like Anndra Neen have gone on to achieve widespread acclaim for their work.
This year’s short-list of finalists includes Barbara Casasola, a Brazilian ready-to-wear womenswear designer; Emilia Wickstead, who has collaborated with Manolo Blahnik and Swarovski; Huishan Zhang, Chinese-born, London-based designer who worked at Dior while still a student at Central Saint Martins; and Fyodor Golan, the label of women's ready-to-wear designed by duo Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman.
To honor this talented bunch, The Dorchester Collection is rolling out a limited-edition cocktail menu with drinks inspired by each finalist’s work. “Berry Lace,” for example, was created by Le Meurice’s barman William Oliveri to mirror Huishan Zhang’s fondness for lace; and "Marilyn," a champagne-based cocktail scented with peach purée and strawberry, was concocted at The Beverly Hills Hotel to honor Fyodor Golan, who’s often inspired by Marilyn Monroe.
Served during the upcoming fashion season (starting September 5 for NY Fashion Week and ending on October 2 in Paris), the menu will be available at five Dorchester Collection hotels: The Dorchester, London; Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan; Le Meurice, Paris; Le Richemond, Geneva and The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com.