Alex Kim "Alex Kim would go down a storm at London Fashion Week where he would immediately be hailed as the next big thing," enthuses influential local fashion website Runway Reporter. The panel of experts governing this Thursday's Deutz Fashion Design Ambassador Awards have also noticed Alex's fresh youth-oriented designs. His new 'Zip Me Up After You're Finished' collection is one of eight finalists for their coveted top rising star award. The winner receives a return trip to London Fashion Week, with $3,000 spending money and the chance to meet with influential leaders from London's vibrant fashion industry. Alex, 21, is originally from South Korea, arriving in New Zealand when he was 10. He started his own JAEHA label when he graduated from Auckland University of Technology's School of Art and Design. A T-Shirt from this year's Jaeha collection His Jeaeha raincoat collection won acclaim at last year's Fashion Week AUT Rookie show, and this year Alex is back at Fashion Week with a range of streetwear comprising over-sized t-shirts with leggings, layered with tailored waistcoats and scarves. A win at the Ambassador Awards this week would be a dream come true for Alex. "I'd love to see what London offers, and learn from their fast paced fashion industry," he says. "I'd also love to represent New Zealand fashion as a fashion ambassador." Margiela-esque Jaeha raincoat (photo - Runway Reporter) Alex says he wants his career in fashion to take him to exciting places, to meet and collaborate with other creative people. "A lot of things have happened since I graduated. I like the way things happen organically, and the way this exciting and interesting experience continues to gradually develop and surprise me everyday." Good luck Alex! His new collection will be modelled on the Air New Zealand Fashion Week runway on 16-22 September, along with new designs from Adrian Hailwood, Michael Pattison and several other fashionable LGBT Kiwis. And if you think being a fashion model is easy, think again… the catwalk can be a hazardous place, as one of Alex's favourite YouTube clips reveals. Check it out below. We hope this year's Fashion Week provides plenty of thrills - minus the spills! Matt Akersten - 11th September 2007