UpNXT is an emerging fashion designers’ acceleration program operated by FashioNXT. From mentorship by the industry specialists, media and business opportunities, to a cash prize — UpNXT is designed for catapulting the fashion careers from the beginning stage to a professional level.
Winner of 2016 UpNXT
Moore
Winner of 2015 UpNXT
German Madrigal
Winner of 2014 UpNXT
Myriam Marcela
Winner of 2013 UpNXT
Amy Sim
2017 UpNXT Finalists
Sundari Franklin
Heidi Brown
OscarDominick
Lou Flowers
James Hunt
2017 Judges
Seth Aaron
Fashion Designer of Project Runway S9
Michelle Lesniak
Fashion Designer/Winner of Project Runway S11
Anne Bocci
Owner of Anne Bocci Boutique
How to Participate
Design Qualifications:
Ready to Wear or Couture Apparel Collection Designers
Annual Revenue below $30,000
Audition Requirements:
Designer is required to attend audition on July 9th, 2017 at a Portland location that FashioNXT will communicate to those who turn in the application form below. Space is limited, so it’s advised to apply ASAP. In the audition designers will bring four to six samples from past collections, or work designer has recently completed, to a high-profile judging panel. Note at this stage you do NOT need to bring a new or complete collection. Judges will select the finalists for the accelerator program and a runway show competition at FashioNXT in October.
Audition Submission fee: $30 (after June 9th, fee is $50)
Runway Show Participation Fee (Only for the Finalists): $450 (after June 9th, fee is $750)
Information for Designers outside of Portland metro area >>
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Finalists Benefits & Requirements
Designers selected as finalists need to present a cohesive collection of 6 to 8 head-to-toe looks on the FashioNXT runway. They will also receive mentorship from FashioNXT Fashion Incubator:
- How to impress a buyer and get an account: by boutique owner Anne Bocci
- Digital Marketing Strategy: FashioNXT & Partners Digital Marketing Consultancy
- Fashion show as a Marketing Tool: FashioNXT & Marketing Consultancy
- Costing analysis for production by KS Apparel design and consulting
The runway collection will be judged for collection quality & aesthetics, creativity/originality and overall cohesiveness. Marketability will be evaluated based on website, lookbook and social media strategy. Designers may be given up to three runway styling challenges. The winner will be announced after the finalists’ runway show at FashioNXT.
Winner's Prize Package
- Show Publicly: Complimentary full collection runway show in the regular desginers line at next year’s FashioNXT
- Cash Prize: $500 for fabric expense for 2018 show-Support from Fabric Depot
- Certificate of winning
Business Mentorship:
- Mercy Corp of NW gives scholarship to a business fundamentals class, a $350 balue, required to qualify for a grant of up to $6,000
Media & PR:
Features in Sold Out section or Portland Mercury
Exclusive feature in FashioNXT blog and 3 social media postings
Business Accounts:
Boutique representation for multiple finalists in Anne Bpcci Boutique in SW Portland.
Now I can totally see why FashioNXT lists this experience as taking the winner's label to next level. Oh my! True! And I am so grateful for your vision of supporting fashion forward in Portland and beyond.
I had a great success launching my new line, Grace Marie Original, after winning last year's UpNXT. Thanks to FashioNXT!
Portland has strongly established itself as the most fertile hotbed of emerging talents in fashion industry. I am glad to be a part of your success to continue to be the most effective program in the region where emerging designers get the boost for bigger national platform!
UpNXT Partners
