'Eyewear for the millennium' contest launched by Eyefashion

The contest, established by the organisers of the new London-based Eyefashion 2000 show next year, promises judges who are 'leading individuals from the art, design and fashion world'. Finalists will be nominated from nine regions, with the winner being announced at the exhibition. The nine chosen will have an opportunity to display their designs at Eyefashion 2000, and also at a public exhibition in a central London gallery in the week running up to the show. The winner will receive &\#163;2,000 plus another &\#163;2,000 for the individual college department, with the prizes being presented during the event. In addition, the students are being encouraged to sell their work at the show. 'Our industry is driven by innovation,' said John Hockney, chairman of Eyefashion organising group, the Ophthalmic Exhibitors' Association (OEA). 'These students and their work represent the next generation of designers whose work may well influence the eyewear trends for the new millennium. 'We have asked students to price their work during Eyefashion 2000 and I am hoping that exhibitors or visitors will snap them up.' - Leslie Goring, a member of BBC television's 'Clothes Show Live' team will produce Eyefashion 2000's 'catwalk' event, which will be a showcase for the latest looks in designer frames.