Mercedes-Benz Start Up Cycle 2015-2016

Mercedes-Benz Start Up MBSU, Canada’s premier program for emerging fashion designers is proud to announce cycle 2015-2016's three wildcard designers; Leinad Beaudet, Narces and Laura Siegel will join regional finalists UNTTLD, Beaufille and S.P.Badu at World MasterCard Fashion Week in October 2015. 

This year's judging panel which includes, Robin Kay, President at Fashion Design Council of Canada, Carolyn Quinn, Director at IMG Fashion, Kara Chomistek, President at PARK, Caroline Gault, Alberta editor at FASHION Magazine, Jacquelyn Francis, Montreal Executive Editor at FASHION Magazine, Caitlan Moneta, Toronto fashion Market Editor at FASHION Magazine, JoAnne Caza, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Mercedes-Benz Canada and Olga Koel, Fashion Industry Consultant.

Calgary semi-finalist, House of Nonie, Nikki Babie, KAZZ Clothing, S.P.Badu and Aniimiism presented their collection during MBSU Calgary 2015. They have shown the ability and talent of Canadian designers. Winner Calgary-based designer win S.P.Badu along with other finalists will participate in a group finale runway show where judges will choose one Awarded Designer. The Awarded Designer will then receive year-round intensive mentoring from the panel of experts, an editorial feature in FASHION Magazine, a fully produced solo runway show at World MasterCard Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 in March 2016, and a $30,000 bursary.

“We’re very proud to be working with this incredibly talented group of Canadian designers.  Once again, throughout this tour, we have witnessed amazing creativity, tremendous determination and an infinite amount of passion. We were also thrilled to see a huge amount of growth and progress from a handful of repeat participants who have been taking our mentors’ advice and recommendations to heart. It strongly re-affirms the highly tangible benefits of this program for the future of Canadian fashion,” said JoAnne Caza, Director of Communications and PR at Mercedes-Benz Canada. “