A new addition to the BC Fashion Week schedule this year was Generation Next, a platform for up and coming designers to emerge into the limelight. This year three new designers showcased their lines with hopes to secure the coveted prize package: a spot in the next BC Fashion Week, financial and marketing advice to launch their line, PR services, a profile on Urban Rush and much more. The 2007 contenders included the “polished style” of Elroy Apparel, the “glossy aesthetic” of Nicole Bridger and “sparkly looks” from Mia Melon. All had a strong showing – their respective creativity and skill was evident and very impressive for new talent. In the end Nicole Bridger took the prize, named Generation Next Designer for Spring 2008 for her original designs, likelihood to succeed on a national and global scale, and savvy business sense. The other highlight of the evening was the challenge to audience members to “Dress Local” for a chance at a wicked prize pack. If you arrived on the red carpet wearing anything by a local designer, you were entered into a raffle for a VIP suite at the Century Plaza Hotel, jewelry from Sugar Lime, Spa Binge skincare products, a $100 GC for JC Studio, a $50 GC for Portobello West, a subscription to Fashion Magazine and a Bring Your Own Bag.
