Fashion Research Institute is pleased to unveil its latest effort designed to help emerging designers and content creators take another step to achieving their dreams.

The Shengri La Marketplace evolved from the emerging designer program, piloted by Fashion Research Institute over the past 18 months.  The Marketplace is a full region development which incorporates runway services, photography sets, and a range of programs intended to help designers reach their next level or professional expertise.

The Markeplace hosts the Designer’s Coop, the Professional Virtua Designer Society, and the Emerging Designer program.

The Professional Virtua Designer Society is a new program the Institute will be launching.  The Society members will benefit from a comprehensive suite of benefits ranging from major medical and other forms of insurance to member discounts and professional development courses and seminars.

The Marketplace is also home to a new flagship store for Debutante, which is the Fashion Research Institute’s lab line.  The new Debutante store anchors one corner of the Marketplace, with the other three corners anchored with the runway/photography sets, a special 7-Seas fishing pool and horseback riding area, and in the corner opposite to Debutante, the Designer’s Coop building.

We’ve also created a full roster of events, including runway shows and seminars, to help our designers who are joining the marketplace program.

If you are a Second Life fashion designer who is looking for an opportunity to improve your design or business skills, increase your exposure, or just have a group-access runway system waiting for you to show off your newest designs,  then the Shengri La Marketplace may be for you.  If you are a successful Second Life fashion designer who wants access to a regular schedule of “no-hassle” fashion installations, then the marketplace is right for you too.  We invite you to come talk with us, visit the region, see our commitment to success, and make your own decisions about whether a partnership with the Marketplace is right for you.