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.
HELPING DESIGNERS FROM runway debut to retail READINES
a fashion marketing course capstonE project program
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, Instructor at Blanche Macdonald Centre, to bridge education and industry. In this semester-long residency, fashion design grads work alongside fashion marketing course 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 students and partners to 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.
THE FASHION BRAND BUILDING (FBB) RESIDENCY, VANCOUVER, BC
Meet The Teacher
Hi! I'm selena
We recently partnered with fashion designer Sujitha Shivajothi to create an industry facing media kit. The success of this collaboration was an above and beyond final project with internship fulfillment post residency - 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 have the opportunity to be fully immersed in the designer’s world and build out a complete media kit to help launch the brand is a great hands-on experience.
- sarah sweeting, Global merchandise Planner, Lululemon
FBB Residency x Carolina Botelho by Semira Jalali →
FEature: transformation: the core of community building
HOW to apply
Submit your interest via email
Send your inquiry sharing your background, brand concept, website, social channel & 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 fashion designers will get official confirmation, onboarding materials, and next steps.
TURNING CREATIVITY INTO OPPORTUNITY
about the creator
Van Fashion Marketing recently partnered with fashion designer Carolina Botelho to launch her namesake label. As her fashion market consultant, Selena finalized the digital assets (brand guide and media kit), built out the Carolina Botelho marketing strategy and co-produced the Lines of Heritage SS26 Event. The success of that collaboration rides on the backbone of the residency - proof that mentorship, structure, and strategy make all the difference after the runway.
YOUR A GREAT FIT IF..
- You're a fashion design graduate who has featured a collection during an independent runway show or fashion week.
- 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 you are 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?
“
It’s inspiring to see the level of interaction, commitment, and dedication from everyone involved to make sure the final delivery not only meets, but exceeds expectations.
- tais rissi - program 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.
fashion's industry leaders?
media & Press
The FBB Residency is a capstone program within Blanche Macdonald's Fashion Marketing course. Each semester, fashion marketing students work alongside a designer in residence to build real-world brand assets — from strategy and marketing to a fully produced photoshoot with professional photographers, lead fashion stylists, makeup artists, and hairdressers. Everyone in the room is learning, collaborating, and creating something that matters. If you're working on a story, episode, or feature — we want to hear from you.
Blanche Macdonald
home institution
50
students graduated
4
cohorts delivered
designers . stylists . photographers . makeup artists . hairdressers . retailers . educators
who we work with
Covering the next generation of
+
the fashion community
CONNECT
elsewhere:
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substack
DISCOVER
PINTEREST
Fashion business inspiration, visual merchandising, and retail strategy — curated for the industry.
→ Follow @vanfashionmarketing
Check out THE
INSTA
Meet me at 7 Selvedge. A monthly journal exploring what happens after the collection.
Behind the consulting room, the classroom, and the work.
→ Follow @vanfashionmarketing
