From an early age, the budding designer would alter clothes, adding her own artistic twist, to create bespoke outfits that were often the envy of her friends.

"I've always been adventurous with my style," said Miss Hansen, who hails from Shoalhaven Heads.

The 26-year-old fashion designer and stylist has spent the past six years creating a name for herself while forging a path in the notoriously difficult industry, first as head designer at label August Street and then as creative director of her own label, Hansen & Gretel.

Now, Miss Hansen is on the verge of breaking through after being named a finalist in the 2013 Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards.

It is a dream come true for Miss Hansen, who admits her passion has sustained her through some tough moments, to be recognised as one of Australia's brightest young fashion talents.

"I was initially drawn to fashion by the excitement and challenges, but the fashion industry is very competitive, fast-paced and ever-changing," she said. "It can be very unrewarding and demanding and that's when your passion and love has to step in."

The Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards, known as SOYA, is a grants program for emerging creative talent across a range of genres, including fashion, writing, visual arts and animation.

Winners in each of the 11 categories receive $5000 in air travel, $5000 in cash and a mentorship with a creative leader.

The 2013 fashion mentors are Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, the sisters behind one of Australia's most influential labels, Zimmermann.

Miss Hansen, who studied at the renowned Fashion Design Studio at Ultimo TAFE and is one of 15 fashion finalists, said she was delighted to just be recognised for her work.

"To win would be incredible. I am up against some amazing designers and to sit next to them as a finalist is an honour," she said.

"Looking back on previous winners and finalists just makes me realise how far I have come and how far I still have to go."

Miss Hansen describes her style as "clean-cut and quirky by nature" and said her label, Hansen & Gretel, captured a combination of masculinity and femininity, balancing conceptual art with wearability.

"It's not overtly pretty or floral but feminine in its shape and silhouette," Miss Hansen said.

The designer said she was inspired by her friends and fellow artists as well as the European market.

"Their style is daring and unapologetic," Miss Hansen said.

So, if she wins, where will the young talent seek new inspiration with her travel voucher?

"My head would say Hong Kong and China, but my heart would say New York or Paris."

The winner of the fashion category, which is decided by the Zimmermann sisters as well as the numbers of votes on social media, will be announced on Sunday.