Glassons launches new ‘Made of Here’ initiative

Glassons launches new ‘Made of Here’ initiative with Otago Polytechnic

Design students at Otago Polytechnic could soon see their creations launched throughout Australasia by one of New Zealand’s most loved fashion labels, as the result of a new collaboration with Glassons.

Australasian retailer, Glassons, will be partnering with 3rd Year Design students at Otago Polytechnic, challenging them to interpret its new brand strategy: Made of Here.

Late last year, Glassons started a new positioning of its brand with the phrase ‘Made of Here’, drawing upon the retailer being a true New Zealand brand – one that has been part of New Zealand culture since 1926.

This project will involve Fashion, Communication, Interiors and Product Design students from Otago Polytechnic’s School of Design, who will interpret Made of Here into their submissions. The winning submission may be commercially produced and sold through key Glassons stores in Australasia.

The project involves students having to interpret ‘HERE’ into their submissions, telling their own ‘Made of Here story’. They will reveal how being part of New Zealand and Dunedin culture – and how they have been influenced by it – is reflected in their designs.

“This gives students the possibility to launch their career in a manner most could only dream of,” says Glassons Marketing Director, Anna Murray, “Along the way, they will get some valuable commercial insights into the fast-moving world of fashion retail in Australasia.”

According to Dr Margo Barton, Academic Leader of Fashion at Otago Polytechnic’s School of Design, this initiative provides a wealth of opportunities, not just for students but also design staff.

“To be able to understand the designing, production, retailing and marketing process from the point of view of this big Australasian retailer is invaluable,” she says. “We’ll also be able to gain a better understanding of the off-shore production process. This initiative will allow both staff and students to think more broadly about what a fashion professional is, or could be.”

Dr Barton believes the 3rd Year School of Design students will benefit hugely from the international experience this initiative provides. “This project shows students just how ‘international’ their degree is.” she says.

Glassons is also enthusiastic about its partnership with Otago Polytechnic. “This is an opportunity to work directly with the fantastic Otago Polytechnic staff and students,” says Anna Murray. “The institution has led the way for many years in putting a true face to New Zealand fashion and supporting a truly New Zealand voice and style.”

ends

© Scoop Media