Opening Night of the 2009 Up & Coming Design Expo was an inspiring and successful event which provided 27 young designers with a rare opportunity to present and market their creations to a discerning crowd.

The three-day-expo took place within the character filled walls of the Paddington Uniting Church.

UCDE is a joint project between Media Advantage and Paddington Markets where Liane Rossler from Dinosaur Designs started her career more than 20 years ago. For the opening of UCDE, Liane returned to 'Paddo' to share her experience as one of Australia's most recognised designers with the budding design stars of the future.

The friendly ambience of the night was complimented by the nervous energy and creativity of a group of Up & Coming fashion designers, some of whom were showcasing their collections for the first time.

If you are an up-and-coming designer and you missed out this year...be sure to get in for 2010.

What the designers said:

It was a great chance to get my name out there a little and meet with some
other talented designers. I know it was a lot of hard work for you and we
all really appreciated it!
----- Jennie Smith

Congratulations on a great night. I wish you every continued success with
the exhibition.
----- Liane Rossler

Thanks for inviting me to showcase my work at this expo! I learnt a lot
about the design industry, how it works, plus working out the right price
for my lomography. It was a great experience.
----- Nova Chen