Grooming the next generation of Fashion Designers On 9 June, TaFf signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Parco Singapore in collaboration to launch the Fashion Incubator project to mentor, groom and launch Singapore’s next generation of fashion designers whom will be placed in prime retail space at the new PARCO @ Millenia opening end March 2010. An important element of this project is the mentorship, business development support and training programme that has been designed and structured for designers at the Fashion Incubator to create a new breed of “Designpreneurs” to develop their innovative ideas and capabilities into successful competitive businesses in real retail environments and conditions. This will, in the long run, retain and professionalise a pool of talent in the fashion industry that will grow in Singapore and beyond, to tap the vast potential international market. “The Mentorship Programme offered to the designers at PARCO@Millenia’s Fashion Incubator is an invaluable tool, offering the young, talented but inexperienced designer guidance by someone in the fashion industry. The advice from the mentors and workshops, will range from merchandising, pricing, budgeting to production, sourcing and branding. Ultimately, both mentors and the programmes set in place will prepare the young designers for their first retail business, something they will need to be equipped with, areas that are often beyond their regular schools’ curriculum. This is TaFf's effort in grooming the next generation of designers and we are thankful with the great support of SPRING Singapore, and the help from other government agencies like DesignSingapore and International Enterprise Singapore,” conveys Mr David Wang, Vice president, TaFf and Chairman of the Fashion Incubator Working Committee. Every year, the project will showcase 25 emerging talents and selected designers will be offered a one-year lease at the Fashion Incubator who will undergo an 18 months mentorship and training programme specially tailored to the designers. Eligible designer for the Fashion Incubator has to meet the following criteria: 1. Must be a Singaporean/Permanent Resident (Foreigners are welcome to apply if they can partner up with a Singaporean and doing so to obtain 30% local shareholdings) 2. Must be the designer of the label 3. Must not have experience in owning stand alone shop (s) 4. Must not have any major distribution points. i.e. having a full collection in any distribution points Closing date for applications has been extended till 26 June 2009. Interested parties who are eligible can contact Ms Sherrine Goh at TaFf via email sherrinegoh@taff.org.sg or tel 67358390 for application details. More News Press Release 9 June Razar TV - Fashion boost for local designers 9 June The Straits Times - Aspiring designers get a shot 10 June Lianhe Zaobao – Parco and TaFf collaborate to groom young designers 10 June My Paper - Fashionista alert! Parco to open in Millenia Walk next year _________________________________________________________________________   SURVEY REPORT ON THE TEXTILE & APPAREL INDUSTRY IN SINGAPORE Do you wish to understand more about the current operation base? Or are you looking for alternative operating bases for the future? Understand the challenges of Singapore Textile &Garment industry through this survey report. Find out more about the opportunities and threats of the industry and our multiplier impact on supporting industries such as banking and logistics. Get your copy of this informative 64 pages survey report by emailing to Antonia at antonia@taff.org.sg TaFf members: S$100 Non-member (Same Industry): S$300 Non-member (Different Industry): S$1000 Click here for order form _________________________________________________________________________