Arrival of Acclaimed International Fashion Photographer Kicks off Open Model Call for British Columbia Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2005

During the press conference held last night at Celebrities Nightclub in downtown Vancouver, Dejan Milicevic, newly arrived from Europe and charged with the imagery for British Columbia Fashion Week, was introduced to his Canadian audience. An accomplished internationally known fashion and media photographer and director, Milicevic declared that he is eager to continue the work that he started with the photos he created launching the website of British Columbia Fashion Week (www.bcfashionweek.com).

(PRWEB) January 21, 2005 -- We are so fortunate to have such an esteemed and talented individual working with us on the face of BC Fashion Week," says Vladimir Markovich, Creative and Executive Director. Dejans work with fashion, models and the entertainment industry is extensive and excellent. You can see his work through a variety of magazine covers and editorials for some of the most widely read fashion publications around the world. The work that he did with our two models, Petar Perovic and Tijana Sarenac, as part of the Fall/Winter 2005 fashion week campaign is stunning."

Petar and Tijana were both internationally recognized top models before making their debut on the Canadian scene," continued Markovich, bringing a richness of diversity to an event that celebrates both diversity and originality. Their selection as the first faces" of British Columbia Fashion Week was deliberate in that their celebrity gave us the opportunity to springboard Canada and British Columbia into the global fashion arena. Strong favourable response to the photo campaign both here and overseas indicates that the choice was the right one."

Milicevics arrival signals the commencement of the Model Casting Call that was announced last night during the press conference. As part of the opportunities that will be given to up and coming designers, graphic artists, and media arts professionals through BCFW, individuals wishing to add the prestige of professional runway experience to their portfolio are encouraged to respond to the call for modeling talent.

For British Columbia Fashion Week, the organizers and myself will be working closely with the agencies here in Vancouver and surrounding area. However, the casting itself will be open to everyone," states Dejan Milicevic. The key here is that the selection criteria for the models will be of international standards and will provide our exhibiting designers the best talent to showcase their designs." Details of the location and dates for the open call will be finalized and announced on the website for BC Fashion Week (www.bcfashionweek.com) in the next few weeks, with an approximate timing of the end of February.

The way the open call works is that all are given the opportunity to add their personality and face to the list of those being presented to the designers for selection. Responding to the open call, however, does not guarantee that the model will be cast for any of the shows", says Markovich. Each designer has different needs and not all models are suitable for all designers or runway shows. Some collections call for high glamour while others may call for outdoor freshness. It really is a matter of operating to international standards and giving the designers the options that they need to maximize the impact of their shows."

Once added to the directory of potential models for BC Fashion Week, the participating designers will work with the producers to finalize their casting in mid March, to be prepared for fashion week that is scheduled for April 10th to 15th, 2005. Beyond the modeling call, activities leading up to the main event will continue to unfold.

British Columbia Fashion Week is working with a committed group of sponsors who share our goals and whose image is very fashion oriented," says Debra Walker, Executive Director BCFW. Throughout the myriad of activities leading up to the delivery of British Columbia Fashion Week and particularly for the work of fashion week itself, a loyal group of fashion focused partners and innovators have contributed significantly. For this we extend our thanks for being partners extraordinaire to: Digitopolis Media Corporation, 2C Digital Dreams, Scotiabank Dance Centre, Urban Visuals, Spheremag.com, Colourtime Printing, the office of the Premier of British Columbia, Western Economic Diversification, Industry Canada, Image Group, Red Bull, Sutton Place Hotel and Celebrities Night Club, as well as many others soon to be announced."

In addition, the endorsement and participation of the educational community in BC is critical to growing the next generation of creative talent for this province and we are pleased to count on them as committed partners." About BC Fashion Week: BC Fashion Week (BCFW) is a spectacular event aimed at establishing Vancouver as an emerging fashion centre and a true partner in the global fashion world, along with centres such as Milan, Paris, London, New York, Toronto, Hong Kong and Sydney. As a major international event, BC Fashion Week attracts people from around the world to celebrate innovative Canadian talent, bringing together individuals and organizations that play vital roles in the fashion industry.

BCFW will showcase some of Canadas top and emerging designers and bring some of the worlds most influential retailers and media to Vancouvers shores. BCFW is based on a well-known, successful model of showcasing national designers on a global level, where designers present their collections to national and international buyers. The event is also a platform for the media, which acts as the main channel through which the latest trends and designs are communicated to a wider audience. Media and Industry professionals can register to attend via the official website of BC Fashion Week (www.bcfashionweek.com). The BC Fashion Week website also gives updates and information leading up to and during the week.

For further information, please contact Media Relations at press@bcfashionweek.com or +1.604.688.8741.

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