Fashion Week New Orleans Seek Designers for Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Tracee Dundas
(504) 628-3223
tdundas@fashionweeknola.com
www.fashionweeknola.com

FASHION WEEK NEW ORLEANS SEEK DESIGNERS FOR COMPETITION

Third Annual Top Design Competition

NEW ORLEANS, LA 10/15/12:  Getting noticed as a fashion designer is no easy feat.  Most start creating in the privacy of their home; often designing for friends and family and never getting the opportunity to showcase their talent on a runway in front of an audience of fashion industry professionals and enthusiast.

Fashion Week New Orleans (FWNOLA) recognized and filled this void by introducing what has now become its signature event, the ‘Top Design Competition' (TDC).  The TDC has been a highlight of FWNOLA since its inaugural event in 2011.  

"We recognize that there is a significant number of emerging designers in the southern region that are not getting the exposure they deserve.  Our TDC gives these talented individuals a platform to showcase their collection in front of an audience of buyers, media, and fashion professionals.  This exposure can be priceless in helping kick-start an emerging designer's career.  FW NOLA has also been instrumental as a springboard for careers in fashion, including that of models, makeup artist and hairstylist," says Tracee Dundas FWNOLA Creative Director.

FWNOLA produces a series of runway shows featuring local designers and retailers. Incorporated into the five-day event, scheduled for March 20-24, 2013, is the TDC in which 10 designers showcase their collections to a panel of judges to win a career-launching prize package.

TDC 2012 winner Stephanie Young caught Dundas eye when she was invited to be one of the judge's for LSU's annual year end fashion show.  Seeing Young's potential, Dundas encouraged her to submit an application for FWNOLA's 2012 TDC.  Her prize package included her collection carried by Vernon Clothing, a Brother sewing machine compliments of AllBrands.com, manufacturing package from NOLA Sewn, editorial fashion spread in Amelie G magazine, a professional hi-quality photo shoot of her collection from John Charles Photographer and Featured Designer placement at FWNOLA 2013 and more.  Young's reaction to being named Top Design Winner; "It has been truly a Miss America moment!"

Designer applications can be found at www.fashionweeknola.com/top-designers/.  The application period is open to residents of the Southern Region, through December 15, 2012.

Recognizing the common thread between designers and boutiques FWNOLA has become the catalyst and driving force in bringing all fashion professional together to showcase the talents of both in a series of high-end runway shows, pop-up boutiques, networking opportunities, chic parties and a career day for fashion students.

Across the country regional fashion weeks have positively impacted their local economies, set new standards in fashion communities, and established each city as a top destination for fashion industry supporters and professionals.

This is a great time for retail and fashion in New Orleans, as the US Economic Development Association states retail is one of New Orleans leading economic sectors, with a projected growth of 32% by 2020.

Fashion Week New Orleans 2013 Schedule of Events includes:

March 20, 2013                    Launch Party & Introduction of TDC Semifinalist

March 21, 2013                     TDC Semifinal & Runway Shows                     

March 22, 2013                    Runway Shows    

March 22, 2013                    Fashion Career Day           

March 23, 2013                    TDC Final Presentation & Runway Show       

March 24, 2013                    Bridal Runway Showcase                                  

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