2007 DESIGNER SEARCH & EXPOSE FINALISTS ARE...
Click on each designer to learn more...

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.

MEGAN FRANKLIN DESIGNS | TOGS DESIGNS | TWICE SHY
THIRD FLOOR DESIGNS

MEGAN FRANKLIN DESIGNS Vancouver, BC

Ever since I can remember, I have been obsessed with clothes! One of my favourite gifts from elementary school was a mini-sewing machine. I remember one of my specialties was sewing hacky sacks and filling them with rice. In grade seven, I sewed my prom dress out of the ugliest grey knit fabric! At the time I was very proud of it, but it was damn ugly! My Mom must have been proud though, I think she still has it. Grade seven was the first year I thought of having my own clothing line. With Kayla Fritz on my side, we set out to design KMF. Unfortunately she moved to Abbotsford, and KMF was no longer. But…Megfa was born! Oh yes, as soon as I was finished high school I moved to Vancouver to study fashion at Blanche Macdonald. After graduating with straight A's and a fashion design diploma I started working in a bridal and evening wear boutique. I also became the assistant designer for a local clothing company which was amazing, I gained so much experience in my job included designing, sourcing fabrics, making patterns, being the fit model, and I also ended up doing some sales. Due to financial constraints, I was laid off and the line was never made. After that job was over, I moved back to Cranbrook and transformed my Dad's two car garage into a mini clothing factory. While sewing in my factory I worked as a waitress (to keep Megfa alive) and I also went to the local College to learn a bit about business. It was hectic, but at the same time it was the time of my life! I sold my clothes in two stores, one in Fernie and the other in Victoria. I put on a couple fashion shows, one at The Royal Hotel in Fernie and the other at Silver Star Mountain in Vernon. Although I was lacking inspiration in Cranbrook, and with my motivation to get a business degree I moved back to the coast. I have been in Vancouver for about a year now and have gained inspiration from living in the city and spending as much time in Whistler as possible. Several weeks ago, I got home from school and checked my email account. The director of Blanche Macdonald emailed me with this fashion exposed opportunity, and I was all over it! What a great opportunity! The sport and streetwear market is right up my alley! With this on my mind for the past four weeks, I have dedicated all my time possible, before school, after school, and weekends to put together my favourite designs, make patterns, sew the line, and do a photo shoot! These past few weeks have been awesome. I'm so stoked to have had the chance to expose my work to industry professionals. I can't wait to see where I'm headed in the future!

Voting ends Monday, March 26th @ 8pm (PST)