Local Designer to Exhibit at Vancouver Fashion Week

Local Designer Garners the Support of New Zealand to Exhibit at Vancouver Fashion Week

Christchurch based creative, Shannon Thompson, will be representing Aotearoa at Vancouver Fashion Week later this month and introducing her fashion label, Out Of Comfort, to the world stage. What comes as even more impressive than this young designers talent, is the story of support and how this trip has become a reality.

Having worked globally as a stylist and menswear designer, Thompson’s dream was always to return to her home and launch her own label, with the reality of this coming to fruition in October last year through the launch of her first collection. Focusing on sustainable, lasting fashion, the initial collection, Long Time Come, was inspired by New York photographer, Jamal Shabazz, bringing a contemporary edge and exaggerated accents, to classic lines and wardrobe staples. Creating this collection came as a natural process to this young designer, yet, pushing herself from behind the scenes into the spotlight came as a slightly harder transition.

“I have always had a passion for clothing and fashion, from the days of helping my nanny in her studio working on clothes for the latest local play as a child, to supporting prominent designers with their own shows at Paris fashion week during the start of my career” Thompson states “however, pushing myself to be vulnerable and put my own designs front and centre was definitely something I needed encouragement with from my family and friends”.

Quite the level this support would reach was not something Thompson was prepared for, with the true belief in her talent form those around her showing its scale when the Vancouver Fashion Week opportunity surfaced.

“As a fledgling brand, awareness is key and when I was offered the opportunity to exhibit at Vancouver Fashion Week I was confident this was the next step for my label and an opportunity that had to be achieved.”

Yet, after investing all her savings into the launch of the brand, the opportunity seemed somewhat unachievable with necessary funds in excess of $8000 .

Thompson turned to Give a Little in order to tell her story and ask for the support of wider New Zealand. Through generous donations, along with her own fundraising efforts and maintaining a full-time job alongside running the label, Thompson secured the funds needed. With the submission of her application feeling all the more sweet knowing that there were others that believed in her talent and wanted to see her take the step.

“The people of New Zealand truly do prove community like no other nation and I will always be eternally grateful for the love, support and belief they have shown me. I am overwhelmed that I finally get to push Out of Comfort to the next level and am excited for what the future holds”.

Thompson will be exhibiting Long Time Come at fashion week, along with a few pieces from her next collection. The collection is currently sold solely on her website.

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