Dunedin design students are about to get a taste of the realities of the fashion industry, with a collaboration between the Otago Polytechnic and Australasian brand Glassons.
Third-year students have the opportunity this year to have their work launched through the label, with Glassons representatives collaborating with students, and offering advice and critiques.
That would include what to do to commercialise their designs.
Academic leader of fashion Dr Margo Barton said the communication would not be all one way.
''Design students will probably challenge Glassons, and Glassons will probably challenge the design students.''
The project would involve fashion, communication, interiors and product design students from polytechnic's School of Design.
The winning submission may be commercially produced and sold through Glassons stores.
Dr Barton said she had been discussing ideas for Glassons and the polytechnic to work more closely together since last year.
''They are really interested in supporting emerging talent.''
With this being the first teaching week, students were already working on a project, and Glassons would come in to offer advice and critiques as that unfolded.
''They're not going to be designing with Glassons in mind. They're going to be designing with whatever it is they specialise in, in mind.
''Glassons will come along and say this can be commercialised if you do that - that sort of thing.
''They can choose to opt in or opt out of it ... I haven't heard of a fashion student yet who's not interested in it.
''To be able to have Glassons come along and offer their expertise is a fantastic opportunity for the students, and also the staff.''
Glassons marketing director Anna Murray said the collaboration was an opportunity to work directly with staff and students.
''The institution has led the way for many years in putting a true face to New Zealand fashion and supporting a truly New Zealand voice and style.''
