Project Fashion Aotearoa is launching this coming October and are calling aspiring fashion designers from Kaitaia to Bluff to submit applications now in their emerging designer programme.
For four years the charitable organisation has run the initiative successfully with a focus on Wellington designers. Now, after six fabulous showcases and 18 designers being mentored into careers in the fashion industry, the organisers saw it as about time to
open the opportunity up to the rest of Aotearoa.
Kate Spencer, the founder of Project Fashion Aotearoa, initially created the programme as she saw a need for emerging local designers to be given a platform to take their work to the next level. Designers need the opportunity to create successful connections.
The programme looks for designers who create their work from scratch, pattern-make, sew and can demonstrate in their application that they have a clear vision for their own label.
“For me, Project Fashion was the first chance I had to create a collection after graduating University. It’s a rare opportunity within the fashion industry to be given a catwalk show to showcase your work as a designer. It was a huge stepping stone for me that helped to develop the designer I am today” - Kristen Meaclem, participant of the programme in 2017.
A panel of industry judges will shortlist eight designers to take part in the Project Fashion Aotearoa live awards show. This will be hosted at Wellington’s prestigious Public Trust Hall on Thursday 22nd October, with each designer showcasing their designs to an audience of interested industry participants.
The winner will take home a prize of $3000 to go towards setting up their own label. The show contingency COVID plan is to live stream the awards show if New Zealand is in level 3 at the time.
Project Fashion Aotearoa is forging ahead despite the current climate, as now more than ever it is crucial to give valuable support, inspiration and working tools to grow New Zealand's fashion talent.
Applicants can apply via the website for Project Fashion Aotearoa. For more information email wellingtonfestivaloffashion@gmail.com.
