The Make Fashion 2015 gala call for submissions is now open. Our sold-out 2014 gala inspired and amazed over 400 attendees with couture featuring 3D projection mapping, robotics, and proximity sensors. In 2015 we are aiming to be even bigger and better as we take wearable technology and fashion to the next level. Our 2015 gala will take place in spring 2015 and will feature work by leading designers, makers, and hackers.
We are currently accepting local (Calgary and Seattle) designers and international designers. Pre-made pieces will also be accepted for the show, but do not receive material reimbursements.
What are my benefits as a designer/maker?
– Cost of Materials
Make Fashion covers up to $1000 of materials invested in your piece. We also have partnerships and discounts with various suppliers to make sourcing your materials easy.
– Designer/Team Artists’ Fees
Local designers/teams will receive $250-$500 CAD per team. Artists fees will be determined by the experience of the designer and the complexity of the proposal.
– Transportation
Flight and accommodation to our 2015 gala will be covered for international designers.
– Tech Support and Inspiration
Our team of experts help designers discover the technology needed to make their piece. We provide support and expertise on the technology, you provide the imagination and vision.
– Ownership of Work
Make Fashion has full access to the pieces for a year to showcase and promote Make Fashion at several local and international events. Throughout that period, after that, designer teams retain full creative rights, credits, and ownership to their pieces.
– International Exposure:
Make Fashion has been featured at international exhibits and media including the international CES in Las Vegas, NY Daily News, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, The National Post, and European media such as France 24 Coverage and other German and Spanish press. Many of our Make Fashion designers have received recognition, awards, and grants as a result of their participation in Make Fashion.
– Media Coverage
Our shows and designers are covered by international and local media. Make Fashion designers have the opportunity to have their names and work featured on television, web and print media.
– Marketing, Print, and Web Presence
Our team of volunteer organizers invest over 200 hours into promotions and marketing. Designer benefits include web presence and photo gallerias, print marketing, and online advertising.
– Hair, Models, Photography, and Runway Creative Direction
The Make Fashion Gala isn’t just a runway show: it’s an exciting a performance show filled with drama and theatrics. We provide models, hair and makeup, and runway creative direction to ensure your piece is represented dramatically and beautifully. We also have a team of photographers and videographers to professionally document your work.
What are my responsibilities as a designer/maker?
– Creation of an Innovative High-Tech Fashion Piece
We have high expectations of our designers to create an innovative, high tech piece for our gala runway show. Submissions are competitive and must align to a high standard.
– One Year Exclusive Availability of Piece to Make Fashion
Designers are obligated to grant Make Fashion one year exclusive access to their submitted piece for additional showings and promotions of the Make Fashion brand. We do our best to ensure your piece is not damaged during this time, but are not liable for damages. After one year is completed, designers have full creative and material rights to their pieces including the right to sell work or display at other exhibitions.
– Ticket Sales and Promotion
While our team works hard to promote designers and our events, we are a collaborative non=profit and our designers are also responsible for promotion. Local designers are required to sell a quota of tickets to their friends, family, and network for our fundraisers and gala event.
– Fundraisers Availability
Make Fashion hosts several fundraisers throughout the year. Local designers are expected to attend fundraisers as volunteers or as ambassadors to talk about their work.
– Initial Investment
To provide materials and to ensure designer investment, all designer teams are required to make an initial $200 deposit to be a part of the show. This deposit will be refunded upon completion of work in addition to artists’ fees. Make Fashion is a non-profit and 100% of funds go towards materials, artists fees, and event logistics.
– Availability and Communication
Make Fashion is a huge event, and there is a lot of communication and meetings leading up to the event. Designers are required to check our online communications (google communities) and attend meetings and dress rehearsals. International and out-of-town designers are given exception for meeting attendance but may have to attend Skype calls with our team.
Submission Requirements
Deadline June 1st
Submissions to Make Fashion are competitive. Accepted applicants will be notified by June 19th, 2014 and contracts and deposit must be received by June 24th to be confirmed. Full designer list will be announced publicly and to media on June 30th.
To be considered, all submissions must include:
– Designer resume or CV
– Two images of designers’ previous work, minimum size 500x500px
– Designer contact information: e-mail, phone number, address, website (optional), twitter (optional)
– Piece Title
– List of Team Members: A list of confirmed team members and their skills
– Required Team Members/Experts/Support: A list of required expertise and support required to complete your piece (note: for successful applications, we recommend you try to fill in as many gaps as possible, but we will do our best to find additional team members and support)
– Brief Design Overview: A brief 50-200 word description of the creative concept of the piece. This will be used on our web preview and PR materials and should be an inspiring “teaser” of your piece.
– Detailed Creative and Tech Overview: An in-depth 500+ word description of concept, materials, tech specifications, and requirements. The more researched an thorough your overview is, the more likely we are to accept your submission. We recommend researching the costs, timelines, and availability of your materials and requirements.
– Sketch of Project: A sketch of your proposed project.
Submissions should be submitted in .pdf form to info@makefashion.ca in an e-mail titled: 2015 Designer Submission
Proposal Writing Workshop: DATE TBD, Endeavor Arts
At this workshop we will guide you through the submissions requirements, show you the work and technology for last year, and help with you to build teams and ideas.
Apply as a Tech Support/Maker/Hacker
To apply as technical support, a maker, or a hacker, contact info@makefashion.ca with your areas of interest and expertise. We will pair you with a team or designer.
Apply as a Student/Apprentice
Want to build your CV, learn about wearable technology and work with established artists? Each team will accept one volunteer student/apprentice to assist in building the piece. Apply at info@makefashion.ca with your interests, past work, and availability.
Sponsor
Do you or your business want to support creativity and innovation? Become a sponsor to receive local and international recognition in print, web and media while getting VIP access to events. Contact info@makefashion.ca for more information on sponsor benefits.
