Glassons has provided fashionable wares for the wardrobes of Kiwi women for years. Now, the chain is providing young Kiwi designers a rare industry opportunity. The fashion retail giant has partnered with Otago Polytechnic to give emerging designers the chance to submit their designs in exchange for valuable commercial feedback. The collaboration lets students get their voices heard on the local fashion stage.
General manager of Glassons, Sebastian Cole, says it is an honour to be able to work with such passionate and creative people. “The level of design and commitment at Otago Polytechnic is extremely refreshing. It gives me great hope for the future of New Zealand fashion.”
Young designers present their designs to be critiqued by Cole and Glassons design manager Kiriana Pettersen. This year, the pair was so impressed by the level of work that they awarded two money-can’t-buy opportunities to standout submissions.
Student Kenya Quin’s fashionable yet commercially transferable aesthetic earned her a one-month internship with Glassons.
Her peer, Sophie Ball’s impressive theme and infectious personality led to a Glassons Snapchat takeover – meaning Ball’s creativity reached over 10,000 of Glassons style-savvy followers.
Kenya Quin has been awarded a one month internship at Glassons.
Alongside these acknowledgements, one piece from each student’s submission will be styled by Pettersen in an online lookbook to be published on Glassons.com and a top fashion title’s online channels.
Cole says as New Zealand’s largest womenswear retailer, it is vital to give back to the industry and support the community wherever possible. “We are proud to offer a career boost to young designers through this ongoing initiative through mentoring, internships, social media and even retail space,” he says.
Principal lecturer at Otago Fashion Polytechnic, Margo Barton, says the collaboration provides vital experience for the students. “Working with Glassons is an important part of fashion education at Otago Polytechnic. It’s not just about the winners, it’s the opportunities to collaborate with industry, learn from and understand each other,” Barton says.
The Otago Polytechnic’s fashion student’s bag designs – which formed many of the overall student submissions – will be on sale at Glassons’ New Zealand Fashion Week Pop-up store in Auckland this September.
The interim awards received by Ball and Quin were part of a 12 month project which will finish in November, with the overall winner to receive a one year design internship at Glassons.
Cole says this project forms just one part of Glassons commitment to supporting emerging and established talent within New Zealand as part of the ‘Made of Here’ brand platform.
