The Bellevue Collection Fashion Week invites designers

One of the selected designers will be chosen the night of the 2013 Independent Designer Runway Show to receive a prize package that includes funds to help build their business and a special display in Bellevue Square during the month of October. All selected designers will also gain valuable business advice by participating in The Bellevue Collection’s mentorship program from March – September 2013 where they are encouraged and challenged by the panel and The Bellevue Collection’s team of experts.

All applications must be submitted to The Bellevue Collection by March 1, 2013. The Bellevue Collection is looking for the top independent fashion designers in the Greater Seattle area; designers will be selected by the IDRS Panel using the following criteria: creativity & originality, workmanship, business model, and presentation.

The Bellevue Collection launched the Independent Designer Show in 2012 in partnership with Fashion Group International and Femfessionals as a way to support the local designer industry and foster relationships for future growth. “Fashion is our largest category of retail at The Bellevue Collection,” states Jennifer Leavitt, VP of Marketing for The Bellevue Collection and Kemper Development Company.

“Creating this fabulous opportunity for local designers to compete and show their point of view was a natural next step. We have an opportunity to assist the growth of the fashion offering in the market and to extend our helping hand to an industry that is so important to our company and community.” More than 500 people in the audience applauded the collections from the eight local designers selected in 2012.

The Bellevue Collection’s runway event last season served as a platform for the designers, resulting in several opportunities for participating designers, Lisa Vian Hunter connected with a showroom representative, Francisco Hernandez found a backer for his next big fashion show, and NBC Fashion Star Lizzie Parker gained the attention of Vogue and Nordstrom resulting in her design being sold at Nordstrom and a personal appearance in-store.

Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection was started eight years ago to bring to fruition the vision of The Bellevue Collection owner, Kemper Freeman; to make Bellevue the fashion destination of the Northwest. To date, Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection is the place to be in the Northwest for dynamic fashion as the week-long experience goes day-to-night with runway shows, chic parties, special appearances, stylish in-store events, happy hours and irresistible shopping.

About The Bellevue Collection

Located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, The Bellevue Collection, owned by Kemper Development Company, includes Bellevue Square a super-regional upscale shopping center, Bellevue Place, a mixed-use property featuring the Hyatt Regency Bellevue and small boutiques and Lincoln Square anchored by the Lincoln Square Cinemas, restaurants, home furnishings and The Westin Bellevue hotel.

The Bellevue Collection