Programs

Portland Fashion Synergy focuses its energy in three broad development areas:  student development, professional development and business development. 

The student development program fosters the growth of next generation designers through financial support, international student exchange opportunities, internships, and exposure to the Portland apparel industry professional community. 

The professional development program enhances the technical and business capabilities, knowledge and career opportunities of apparel industry professionals through local and international relationship-building events, skill- and experience-building programs, and potential employment connections.  

The business development program facilitates economic growth for Portland’s apparel industry through local, national and international strategic business partnerships.

 

Student Development Program

  • Scholarships
    • 2009 PDXFS Art Institute of Portland Scholarship Competition

    Information about the 2009 PDXFS Art Institute of Portland Scholarship Competition will be released by the end of August 2009. 

    To be the first to and get all the details about this year’s theme, requirements, deadlines, event dates and more, become a member today; or sign-up to receive the PDXFS eNewsletter,

    For more information about donor and sponsor opportunities visit the Sponsorship section or email info@pdxfashionsynergy.com.

     

  • Internships

In addition to the internships awarded as part of the PDXFS Art Institute of Portland Scholarship Competition, PDXFS is in the process of securing at least 5 internships for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. 

To be the first to know of internship opportunities as they become available, become a member today; or sign up to receive the PDXFS eNewsletter.

If you would like to offer a student internship, please email info@pdxfashionsynergy.com. 

  • International Exchange Program

PDXFS is working out the logistics for an International Student Exchange Program with the Apparel Design Program at the University in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. 

To be the first to know of student exchange opportunities as they become available, become a member today; or sign up to receive the PDXFS eNewsletter.

If you represent an apparel design program at a university outside of the U.S. and would like to discuss design student exchange program opportunities with Portland apparel design programs, please email info@pdxfashionsynergy.com. 

 

Professional Development Programs

PDXFS is in the process of developing a series of educational symposiums and workshops, a series of knowledge- and skill-building workshops, and an industry job board. 

To sponsor or offer suggestions for educational/professional development workshop topics, please email info@pdxfashionsynergy.com.

 

Business Development Programs

  • Local

Manufacturing
PDXFS is working an initiative to expand local manufacturing capability, capacity and revenue, by creating synergistic, trusting alliances among local designers.  To find out more about local manufacturing options and/or to participate in the development of this program, please email info@pdxfashionsynergy.com. 

Retail
PDXFS is also working on initiatives to increase the retail presence of local designers in local boutiques.  To find out more about local designers, local boutiques and/or to participate in the development of this program, please email info@pdxfashionsynergy.com.

 

  • National

PDXFS serves as a model for facilitating thriving independent design communities in other markets. If you wish to bring this model to your city, please contact us for more information.

 

  • International

CHINA
PDXFS is developing a strategic relationship with the local government, university and fashion association in Zhengzhou, in the Chinese province of Henan, in order to open the door to China for Portland-based designers. 

Goals: 

  • Create professional and educational opportunities for Portland designers and students. 

  • Position Portland as the center for sophisticated, cutting edge design in the United States. 

Objectives:

  • Present Portland Design at China Fashion Week in Spring 2009 (completed). Photos and video available soon.

  • Invite government, university and fashion association representatives from Zhengzhou, Henan, China, to visit Portland and present their designers’ pieces/collections in a variety of venues/events, including an exclusive, high profile fashion show presented by PDXFS.

  • Develop a student exchange program between the universities in Oregon and Henan University apparel design schools. 

  • Establish Portland designers as “Design Leaders” in Henan’s production facilities.