H&M Design Award: Danish Designer Named Winner of 2012 Event (PHOTOS)

Swedish high-end retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has announced Danish designer Stine Riis as the global winner of the 2012 H&M Design Award.

Stine, a 28-year-old graduate from the London College of Fashion, was named the winner at a special catwalk show at Stockholm's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where Stine presented her winning collection.

Apart from winning €50,000 at the event, Stine got the chance of selling fifteen pieces from her collection in selected H&M stores in the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands in September.

"I am still overwhelmed. Showing at Stockholm's Mercedes-Benz fashion week has been such a great experience. I can't believe so many people came to see my collection! This award gives me the confidence and financial back-up I need to pursue my dream of building my own brand. I couldn't have imagined a better start to my career as a designer," said Stine.

Stine was chosen by a grand jury which included fashion designer Christopher Kane, noted fashion journalists Hilary Alexander and Kristopher Arden Houser, fashion blogger Susie Lau, H&M's creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch and H&M's head of design, Ann-Sofie Johansson.

"Stine Riis impressed us all with the maturity and modernity of her work. Her collection was so complete, and so well finished. It was such a sophisticated show, and such an exciting occasion. I am proud that Stine is the first winner of the H&M Design Award," said Johansson.

Riis mentioned that her collection, titled "Decadence & Decay," was inspired by the felt sculptures of Robert Morris, famous American sculptor and conceptual artist. It also demonstrated her commitment for creating designs that lasted for more than one season.

Take a look at the winning collection of Stine Riis in the slideshow given: