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New Fashion Designers Get a Boost from Generation Next

August 27th, 2010 | Published in Event Report

Words by Nadia Chu. Above: Sofia Clothing design from F/W ‘10. Photo by Stephanie Rae Hull. Click here the see larger version.

Imagine yourself as a new fashion designer. You have just finished the design program at a prestigious fashion school, or you have been interning with another established designer to learn everything you can in the hopes of launching your own line. What now? For most aspiring designers, this is the beginning of that unknown path that will hopefully lead them to their dream of being successful designers. This is also a challenging time for them, because they often have limited access to the finances and resources that can help them start their business. Enter the Generation Next New Designer Competition.

Begun in 2007, Generation Next is the answer to the new designer’s call for help. Managed by The Honey Mustard Fashion & Media Services, the competition was founded as a response to the lack of opportunities and funding for fashion shows that was available to new designers. The talent was there, but these designers needed a platform and accessible means by which to make themselves known. Generation Next offers exactly that. For an inexpensive design competition fee, the top three designers are able to present their collections at a fashion show attended by the media, buyers, and public.

Generation Next pre-show feature This show is called the Generation Next New Designer Competition because the top three designers will be competing for a prize package with $10,000 worth of services. From free publicity to mentoring with a well-established designer, this prize speaks to the support and practical skills that Generation Next wants to give to the winning designer. This year’s prize package contains the following:

· Free publicity from The Honey Mustard

· A membership to Cut and Show

· A photo shoot for their new line with The Three Keys

· A booth at Portobello West

· Consignment at Twigg & Hottie

· Mentoring with Jacqueline Conoir

· Strategic Planning sessions with business manager Pamela Chatry A photo shoot editorial with String Magazine’s in-house photographer Christopher Young which will be published on String Magazine as a feature editorial.

· A photo shoot editorial with String Magazine’s in-house photographer Christopher Young which will be published on String Magazine as a feature editorial.

A prize like this helps new designers learn how to build and manage their business, and its impact on them is felt long after the services have been used. Lara Presber, the winner of the competition in 2007, reflects on how Generation Next helped her: “Above and beyond the exposure I gained from the competition, winning Generation Next equipped me with some much needed resources and tools which have had a positive long-term effect on the success of my line.”

Generation Next pre-show feature The Generation Next New Designer Competition for 2010 is fast upon us. At 6:00 PM on September 2 at Performance Works on Granville Island, three designers will be showing their collections in the hopes that they will win the prize that will change their design careers. The winner will be in good company amongst past participants (including some of the winners) who have gone on to become successful designers, including Nicole Bridger, Elroy, Two of Hearts, and Ella Peru.

<<< Lede design from F/W '10 collection. Photo provided by Lede Fashion Desings.

This year, Sofia Mendez Scheone for Sofia Clothing, Jenna Etcheverry for Madame Wolf, and Marla Lede for Lede are the top three finalists. Sofia’s collection is soft and sensual. Her feminine dresses made of natural fabrics means that they are probably as pleasing on the skin as they are to the eye. Jenna’s collection is edgy and a touch sexy. Her pieces speak to the city girl who wants to dress without a fuss but still look good. Marla’s collection focuses on lady-like silhouettes and comfortable draped skirts and dresses. Boasting ethical local production and sustainable fabrics, her designs are good for a woman’s conscience and her wardrobe.

Best of luck to each of these designers at the Generation Next fashion show next week.

Tickets to the show are $15, and they can be purchased at Twigg & Hottie, Riot, Tenth & Proper, or Dream. They are also available for sale at the door.

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