#stmSnippet: Top Picks from Mercedes-Benz Start Up at WMCFW

Fashion is an expensive world to start a business in. Producing a collection, mounting a fashion show and marketing the brand to retailers, I am told by one Canadian designer, can cost $50,000 and up. All too often a designer gets close to the point of turning a profit, just to have to turn around and close up due to lack of funding. Design and business competitions like Mercedes-Benz Start Up play a vital role in helping new designers.

Developed by Mercedes-Benz Canada with IMG, the producers of World Mastercard Fashion Week and many other global sports, fashion and media related events, MBSU is open to designers across Canada who have been in business for less than five years. During the competition contestants connect with a panel of industry insiders who challenge them to be the best. The grand prize includes continued mentorship from the panel, a fully produced runway show at the following World Mastercard Fashion Week, $30,000 and more.

Discover our top three looks from each of the MBSU 2015 final six contestants over on STM by clicking here.

Photos: CanadaWears.ca / Raymond Chow