EVENTS
TALA and the California Fashion Foundation Present 2013 Scholarships
Industry executives and students from several Southern California fashion design programs gathered on April 18 for the Textile Association of Los Angeles’ annual scholarship awards luncheon, held at the California Market Center in Los Angeles.
Before the event, guests mingled and viewed work by students at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Woodbury University, Otis College of Art + Design, Mt. San Antonio College, Pasadena City College, California State University, Los Angeles and El Camino College.
“That talent we have seen come up this year is amazing,” said Ann Davis, past president of TALA and a member of the scholarship committee.
Leah Garvin, founder of FactoryLA, a new manufacturing incubator in Los Angeles, discussed what she calls a “global manufacturing renaissance” and the importance of domestic production.
“Without a doubt [there’s a] growing demand around the country and around the world for ‘Made in USA product,’” she said.
Garvin, who studied apparel manufacturing at FIDM, advised the group to take risks.
“Just a week ago, I signed a lease for a 4,000-square-foot incubator space. That, for sure, is [a big risk],” she said. “Every day is a big leap and a big risk for FactoryLA, and every day I land on my feet because of my experience at FIDM.”
During the presentation of awards, Ram Sareen, founder of Los Angeles–based Tukatech, presented LA Trade-Tech’s Virginia Dan, winner of the “Future Entrepreneur Award,” with a TukaCAD system.
