Saskatchewan Fashion Week and Mosaic Launch Indigenous Designer Bursary

Saskatchewan Fashion Week (SFW), in collaboration with The Mosaic Company (Mosaic), is offering one Indigenous designer a bursary of $2500 and the opportunity to showcase their designs at SFW in 2017.

“SFW has always been passionate about our roots; from our very first campaign, we infused everything we do with a touch of Saskatchewan.” SFW President Chris Pritchard said. “SFW recognizes the significant importance of Indigenous culture and history in our province and we believe that Indigenous designers and artists play a crucial role in bringing the event to life. SFW aims to be representative of our province in igniting creative passion and unity across Saskatchewan.”

The bursary funds, provided by Mosaic, may be used towards fabric, photography, a look book, manufacturing, tools, sewing machines, marketing and/or website. In addition, Saskatchewan Fashion Week will gift the successful applicant with the SFW runway fee, Designer Pop-Up Shop fee and any hotel costs.

“Mosaic is committed to the strength and prosperity of the communities where we have operations,” Senior Director, Public Affairs at the Mosaic Company, Sarah Fedorchuk said. “Mosaic recognizes the importance of building relationships with organizations that create opportunities for First Nations and Métis people across the province. The Mosaic x SFW Indigenous Bursary Program is a way to showcase and celebrate Indigenous talent, culture and communities.”

To be eligible for this financial award, applicants must be a Canadian Indigenous fashion designer who was born in or has been living in Saskatchewan for at least one year, with the ability to produce 6-10 runway looks which will grace the SFW runway on Thursday, May 11, 2017. The application form is accessible online at saskfashionweek.com.

In partnership with Mosaic and Bamboo Shoots, SFW will produce and film a professional video that will showcase Saskatchewan Indigenous designers Becki Bitternose, Helen Oro, and Chelsa Reil, as well as the bursary winner, to be shown nightly at SFW in 2017.

Along with the Mosaic x SFW Indigenous Bursary Program, SFW provides unique opportunities to students and emerging designers in a number of ways. Each year, student competitions in styling, hair, design and makeup are held with winners receiving backstage access and mentorship opportunities from industry professionals. Since 2013, the $2500 Saskatchewan Fashion Forward Designer Award, presented by Dr. Roberta McKay and Mr. Elmer Brenner, has awarded four designers $10,000 to invest in business development to grow their entrepreneurial success. Further in 2016 and returning in 2017, SFW has hosted an interior design competition in collaboration with the Interior Design Association of Saskatchewan.

SFW, presented May 11 to 13, 2017 at The Sound Stage in Regina, is a world-class production of fashion, creative design, entrepreneurship, and music. Imagination and creativity come to life with the tenacious pursuit to excite and inspire spectators. Twenty+ fashion designers will show original men’s and women’s collections, and local retailers will show emerging style trends.

The public can visit saskfashionweek.com to learn more about the event, become a volunteer or purchase tickets.