New Award for BC Fashion Students

As Terri pointed out in an earlier post, Vancouver often gets a bad rap as unfashionable, mostly due to a lack of creative outlets for what I believe is a thriving scene. Unfortunately, the problem with starting your own business often isn't a lack of talent but a lack of funds and connections. It can take years to launch a successful clothing line, but having access to the right people can mean instant brand recognition. Now Portobello West, along with Blue Lava Studios, G to PR, and Syka Textiles, is providing a Graduate Award to be given to one promising BC Fashion School student this year to help speed up the process. As hundreds of local fashion grads leave school without public relations and media attention to launch their careers, this $10,000 prize may mean the difference between struggling local artist and successful fashion entrepeneur.

The prize includes a stall at the Portobello West Market for a year (estimated $2600 value), website hosting and design ($1000), a photo shoot from Blue Lava Studios, including a stylist, hairdresser, and make up artist ($3000), one season's representation with G to PR (including media management and promotion for 6 months-a $3000 value), and finally a one year SYKA and ECO-LUX membership ($750). The candidate must be currently enrolled in a BC fashion program and the deadline to apply is June 30th. The market is also currently accepting applications for stalls at the monthly event. Visit the Portobello West website for more information. The next Portobello West Market runs March 25th at the Rocky Mountaineer, and a free shuttle service is provided from Station and Terminal every 20 minutes that day from 11am to 5pm.