MakeFashion 2019 Call for Submissions

We are now accepting submissions for our 2019 year, including our flagship event held in Calgary, Canada. In addition to our September event, selected garments will also be eligible to showcase on the runway at international events throughout the year. In exchange for the creative and technological talents of our designers, makers and engineers we are pleased to offer cash bursaries to all selected teams.

The event will be held in partnership with Beakerhead (Canada’s science/technology and arts/culture festival) and be a fully produced runway show with professional models, styling, introduction videos, and photography. More details on show benefits below.

Team members are not required to be present at the event, but encouraged. Garments sent to the event without team members present must include operating instructions and meet our standards. Bursaries are intended to include shipping and travel costs, however exceptions may be made for certain projects (please specify in your proposal).

Garments eligible for bursaries can not have been showcased at previous events. We are also accepting a limited number of previously-shown garments (not eligible for bursary) on the runway. Garment completion is due one week before show date (Sept 14th, 2019) and will be evaluated for quality, hygiene, safety, and durability.

What are my benefits as a team/designer/engineer/maker?

Discounts and Access to Materials
MakeFashion has partnerships with sponsors to provide partially discounted materials. We will work with your teams to maximize benefits based on our current partners and sponsorships.

Workshop and Info Sessions
Work days and info sessions will be available including learning to use the tech for your project as well as best practices when creating your project.

Tech Support and Inspiration
Our team of experts help designers discover the technology needed to make their project. We provide support and expertise on the technology, you provide the imagination and vision.

Ownership of Work
MakeFashion requests access and title rights to the pieces for twelve months 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 work.

Design Team Fees
15 design teams will be selected as the official lineup for the 2019 season. Each team will receive $500CAD and one of these 15 teams will be awarded with the Fashion Tech Bursary of $1000CAD.

International Exposure:
MakeFashion has been featured at international exhibits and media including 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 invests over 400 hours annually into promotions and marketing. Designer benefits include web presence and photo galleries, 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 world-class photographers and videographers to professionally document your work in studio and runway settings.

What are my responsibilities as a team/designer/engineer/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 Availability and Title Rights of Piece to MakeFashion
Teams are obligated to grant MakeFashion one year priority 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 cover costs for cleaning and repairs, 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.

Availability and Communication
MakeFashion is a large-scale event, and there is a lot of communication and meetings leading up to the event. Designers are required to check our online communications and attend meetings and dress rehearsals. International and out-of-town designers are expected to attend via Skype and online collaboration.

Submission Process

Submissions to MakeFashion are competitive and will be judged by an expert panel of industry experts, designers, engineers, and makers. Work will be judged based on creativity of work, technical innovation, and the experience of the team.

All garments will be evaluated before the show to ensure they are runway ready.

Make sure to complete the form and attach your proposal in PDF format.

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 Media/Photographer/Performer/Model

Casting for media, videographers, and photographers are held separately from project proposals. Contact info@makefashion.ca for details.