The Fashion Brand Building (FBB): Student x Designer Residency helps emerging fashion designers transform their post-show collections into professional, market -ready brands through experiential mentorship, media development & brand strategy.
runway debut
to retail READINESS
FBB RESIDENCY: Helping EMERGING FASHION DESIGNERS FROM
Now it's time
to build the brand
Every season, incredible design talent walks off the runway with vision, creativity, and potential - but few walk away with the tools to market themselves.
The FBB Residency was created to change that.
This is a post-graduate, experiential learning opportunity designed by Selena Grummett, Fashion Marketing Course Instructor, to bridge education and industry. In this semester-long residency, fashion design grads work alongside students and community collaborators to develop professional brand assets that open doors - to retailers, press and collaborators.
Your collection was the beginning.
A first class program
"I believe any opportunity for students to gain real-world experience is invaluable..."
- helping them gain confidence, understand the standard of work expected, and learn how to thrive in a high pressured environment. The FBB Residency delivers all of this and more. I was truly impressed by the work produced and confident it will equip students with the skills to navigate the ever-changing industry.
- Sarah D'Arcey
"Selena's groundbreaking idea of connecting designers and students through real industry collaboration not only promised a lot - it delivered even more."
Being part of FBB was an incredible experience. For an entire semester, under the visionary leadership of Selena Grummett, the students worked directly with me on the real-life launch of my namesake label, not a simulation, but a true professional experience.
how it works
concept & team formation
You'll meet our fashion marketing collaborators and outline your vision. Together you'll define your brand direction, provide assets and plan deliverables. (media kit or portfolio)
development & leadership
Through guided meets and one - one mentorship, you'll refine your brand identity , story and visuals - building assets that align with your professional goals.
presentation & industry review
The final project (media kit or portfolio) culminates in a live pitch event where you (and the industry panel) are presented with your brand story and deliverables.
Meet The Teacher
Hi! I'm selena
We recently partnered with fashion designer Carolina Botelho to launch her namesake brand and developed her media kit. The success of this collaboration was an above and beyond final project - proof that mentorship, structure and strategy make all the difference after the runway.
With 30 years in fashion retail, marketing and education, I've guided hundreds of students through the transition of classroom to career. As the instructor of the fashion marketing course at Blanche Macdonald Centre and Founder at Van Fashion Marketing, I designed the Fashion Brand Building (FBB) Residency to give fashion design graduates & fashion marketing students the mentorship, resources, and real-world collaboration that turns creativity into opportunity.
why it works
Develop a professional Media Kit or Designer Portfolio. Showcase your collection through cohesive design, imagery, and narrative.
Collaborate with a fashion marketing team. Work alongside marketing students who help bring your assets to life - guided by Selena's professional mentorship.
Define your brand identity and storytelling framework. Clarity your brands tone, values, & aesthetic direction for marketing alignment.
Gain industry feedback and exposure. Your final assets are presented by students to an industry panel of stylists, buyers, retailers for real-world critique and connection.
Are you ready?
“
To get the chance to be fully immersed into the designers world and build out a full media kit to launch the brand is
GREAT hands on experience.
- sarah sweeting, retail buyer - roots of fight
HOW to apply
Submit your application.
Complete the form, sharing your background, brand concept, and runway experience.
Interview & portfolio review.
Selected applicants will be invited to a short virtual interview to discuss goals, readiness and fit for the residency.
Confirmation & onboarding.
Accepted designers will get official confirmation, onboarding materials, and next steps.
TURNING CREATIVITY INTO OPPORTUNITY
about the creator
I recently partnered with fashion designer Carolina Botelho to launch her namesake brand. As her brand launch consultant, I finalized the digital assets (brand guide and media kit), build out her marketing strategy to co-produced her premiere collection - Lines of Heritage SS26 Runway Show. The success of that collaboration rides on the backbone of the residency - proof that mentorship, structure, and strategy make all the difference on the runway.
YOUR A GREAT FIT IF..
- You're a fashion design graduate who has recently shown at your grad show or Fashion Week.
- You're ready to take your next professional step - building a brand presence, media kit or designer portfolio.
- You want structure, creative collaboration, and professional guidance to prepare your collection for the next phase.
- You believe your story matters as much as your design - and your ready to tell it.
who it's for
With this residency,
You'll walk away with:
+ a complete professional media kit or portfolio
+ A clear brand direction and storytelling framework
+ industry feedback from stylists, buyers and consultants
+ experience working with a DESIGN & marketing TEAM
Want something like that?
“
What you are creating for fashion marketing course students in the form of learning, creating networks, and portfolio and skill building is amazing!
- briana morrision, executive director - fashion department, Blanche Macdonald Centre
build the next chapter
make it real
Your collection told your story. Now let's make sure the industry hears it. Join the FBB Residency and create the professional assets the define your next step.
