From Student to Success – Fashion Community Helps Launch Local Grad

What does it take to make it in Vancouver’s fashion industry? Determination, money, design skills and a lot of support. There are hundreds of fashion graduates entering the industry each year, vying for their chance – Portobello West and fellow sponsors are helping one talented grad by putting everything they need on a silver platter.

The Portobello West Graduate Award will provide one outstanding fashion student with the means to launch their line. They will receive over $15,000 in prizes, including one year at Portobello West fashion and art market, a website, a professional photo shoot by Co.lektiv Images, five months of PR support from The Honey Mustard Fashion and Media Services, a Fashion High membership, a full page ad in The Block Magazine, and a one year membership including a $250 starter kit of eco-friendly fabrics from SYKA Textiles.

You’ve only got one month left to apply so click on to read the rest of this press release!

Last year’s winners – Bad Apple Fashions, two Kwantlen University College graduates – have benefited immensely from the award. “It was a great opportunity to meet so many supportive people. The sponsors were amazing to work with and we have developed relationships that we will be fostering going forward.” says Carmen Merkel of Bad Apple.

The award is open to all fashion students currently enrolled in a BC fashion program or who have graduated since June 2007. The deadline for submissions is June 30th and the winner will be announced at Portobello West on August 30th.

Click here for entry details.
Click here to download the application form.
Click here to check out last year’s finalists.

The next Portobello West Market is on Sunday June 29th at the Rocky Mountaineer Station (1755 Cottrell St, Vancouver).

About Portobello West Market

Portobello West began in Vancouver, BC in August 2006 and has now had 18 monthly shows, each drawing over 2000 shoppers. It was created to provide a venue for local designers and artisans to interact with the end consumer and is held the last Sunday of every month (from March to December, Noon to 6 PM). There are now over 100 designers and artists at each market with a composition of 50% clothing designers and 50% jewelers, potters and artisans. Admission is $2 (children 12 and under get in free).

Click here for contact info.