2015 Gala. Photo by Jeff McDonald – http://mcdonaldphoto.ca
Submit a 2016 MakeFashion Project
The MakeFashion 2016 gala call for project submissions is now open. Our 2016 gala will debut in spring 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, and will feature work by leading designers, makers, and engineers.
We are currently accepting project proposals. 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
MakeFashion 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
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. Some pieces may receive additional sponsorship (in 2015 Absolut Canada rewarded a $2000 cash bursurary to one team and an additional $500 bursary to all participating teams).
– Transportation
Flight and accommodation to our 2015 gala may be covered for international designers. International travel and expenses may also be covered (in 2015 we funded travel to San Francisco, New Your, Rome, and Shenzhen, China).
– 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
MakeFashion has full access and title rights to the pieces for a year to showcase and promote MakeFashion at several high-profile international events. After the one-year contract is completed, teams retain full creative rights, credits, and ownership to their pieces.
– International Exposure:
MakeFashion 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 MakeFashion designers have received recognition, awards, and grants as a result of their participation in MakeFashion.
– Media Coverage
Our shows and designers are widely covered by international and local media. MakeFashion 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 300 hours annually 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 MakeFashion 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 our high standard. Feel free to browse previous projects for inspiration.
– One Year Exclusive Availability and Title Rights of Piece to MakeFashion
Teams are obligated to grant MakeFashion one year exclusive access to their submitted piece for additional showings and promotions of the MakeFashion brand. During this year, the MakeFashion name will be associated with the piece. We do our best to ensure your piece is not damaged during this time, but are not liable for damages and encourage pieces to be built to withstand travel and multiple wearings. 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 volunteer organizing 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.
– Fundraiser Availability
MakeFashion hosts several fundraisers throughout the year. Team members are expected to attend fundraisers in their city (if applicable) 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. MakeFashion is a non-profit and 100% of funds go towards materials, artists fees, and event logistics.
– Availability and Communication
MakeFashion 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 (currently google communities) and attend meetings and dress rehearsals. International and out-of-town designers are expected to attend via Skype and online collaboration.
Submission Requirements
Deadline August 15th 2015
Submissions to MakeFashion are competitive and will be judged by an expert panel of industry experts, designers, engineers, and makers (judges to be announced shortly). Accepted applicants will be notified by September 15th, 2015 and contracts and deposit must be received by September 30th to be confirmed. Full designer list will be announced publicly and to media on October 30th.
To be considered, all submissions must include:
– Team lead resume or CV.
– Three images (or links) of teams’ previous work.
– Team lead 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/contributions.
– 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. (We use this as a “teaser” and for PR, so if possible please include a good quality scan on white paper)
Submissions should be submitted in .pdf form to info@makefashion.ca in an e-mail titled: 2016 Submission: Name of Team Lead
Apply to Join/Support a Team
Want to help out but don’t have a proposal or team? To apply as technical support, designer, 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.
Apply as Performer/Model/Hair/Makeup
Casting for models and performers are held separately from project proposals. For specific questions on modeling, performance, hair, and makeup, contact catherine@makefashion.ca
