THE winner of last year's fashion designer award has been employed by Fiji's Mark One Apparel as a cadet manager.
Andrew Powell, who rose to fame during The Fiji Fashion Week last year, was offered a job with the manufacturing business which would enhance his manufacturing skills.
Mark One Apparel director and chairman of Fiji Fashion Week council Mark Halabe said Mr Powell was offered the job based on his level of skills and talents.
"We simply believe in him," said Mr Halabe.
"He is a talented emerging designer and this job would further uplift his skills," he said.
Mr Halabe said a fully-fledged designer had designing skills but with that, must have other skills such as manufacturing.
The appointment of Mr Powell to be part of the manufacturing business played a huge role in reviving Fiji's garment industry.
"We need about a hundred like Andrew," said Mr Halabe.
"We need people who know about designing and about manufacturing."
Mr Halabe said the company believed in the new emerging star and his talents and abilities which would be fruitful for the manufacturing business and Mr Powell himself.