Fast fashion chain Sportsgirl has joined forces with RMIT University to spearhead an innovative new program for local students.
The retailer, which recently teamed with UK artist Mat Maitland to create a nationwide window campaign, has partnered with RMIT University to give aspiring students the opportunity to work with its in-house visual merchandising teams.
The mentorship program, undertaken by the Sportsgirl Victorian state visual merchandising team, will see the institute's final year visual merchandising students score an 80-hour placement with the team.
Fifteen female students from the RMIT school of visual merchandising students have also now been given the opportunity to create two stand out window displays for Sportsgirl’s Melbourne Chapel Street store.
The students, briefed to create concepts that are “bold, bright and all about pop”, will design the first student-generated window display that will represent Sportsgirl’s brand identity and current product stories.
Both windows will be designed to work together as a pair, representing both accessories and apparel.
Commenting on the project, Sportsgirl national visual merchandising manager Rowie Kelly said she is thrilled to be able to provide students with an exceptional platform to work on a real life project with very real industry demands.
“Working with the students has been so inspiring, they are full of fresh ideas and passion, I have been overwhelmed by their professionalism and creativity working on this project,” she said.
“Sportsgirl has an outstanding reputation for producing groundbreaking and innovative window concepts across stores of all levels, it is with great pride that we welcome the creative talents of the students of RMIT into the Sportsgirl business.”
The windows will be installed at the Sportsgirl Chapel Street store in Melbourne on September 18 and will remain until October 30.
To view photos from the event, head to ragtrader.com.au's Facebook page.