Lucie Boshier takes out the top prize by winning ‘Best Installation’ at Urbis Designday 2009.

Fashion designer Lucie Boshier is moving to New York next month to launch her label in the USA, but she leaves having once again made a strong impression on all those who participated in Urbis Designday this year.

Of the nine participating fashion designers, Lucie Boshier won Best Installation for her recreation of the Cotton Club in Newmarket’s Natuzzi design store. with the Westin Hotel winning the ‘Best Ambiance” prize for its collaboration with Zambesi.

Lucie’s 1920’s prohibition club was created inside the blacked-out design store with low lighting, incense, dancers, a singer, and many characters dressed in theme.

Every detail was covered, right down to the beer being served in brown paper bags and the gin cocktails served in tea pots. Lucie Boshier’s prize was an amethyst and diamond ring from Orsini.

“It feels good to be recognized and given the credit for working hard and going out on a limb,” said Lucie. "That’s what I love about Urbis, they embrace all types of design and celebrate the best of everything.”

At the Westin Hotel however, Zambesi opted for tranquility, placing their bald, yet engaging mannequins knee-deep in the midst of the huge water-feature that is central to the Westin’s public areas.

The Zambesi-dressed mannequins’ serenity was contrasted by the gentle waterfall behind and a large clear banner with yellow Zambesi logo floating gently amongst them.

Other installations saw Huffer protesting to ‘Free the Fish’ at Poggenpohl, Lonely Hearts using an offroad motorbike theme at Design Denmark, a silver-wrapped room by WORLD at Cite, Murray Crane demonstrating bespoke tailoring at Apartmento and Karen Walker launching her new Resene paint colours at Matisse.

Interior Designer Emma Kate Bamford created a kiwi bach at Coast and Jaeha took visitors into the private lives of fashion people at Inovo.