Three Canadian Fashion Startups Join The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation

TORONTO, May 9, 2016 /CNW/ - The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation, in partnership with the Fashion Zone at Ryerson University, today announced the second class of Joe Fresh Innovators to join the Centre. The Centre, made possible with a $1 million investment from Joe Fresh, develops and funds Canada's emerging fashion-inspired businesses through the Fashion Zone at Ryerson University.

"Each of these three companies brings an innovative approach to their respective business," said Mario Grauso, President of Joe Fresh. "We believe that fostering this next generation of entrepreneurs will help provide the creative energy to keep fashion a vital force in Canada's retail landscape."

"The second wave of innovators truly showcase the diversity of the fashion industry," said Robert Ott, Executive Director of The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation. "They represent some of Canada's most promising innovators and entrepreneurs."

The three new Joe Fresh Innovators are:

Mammoth Outerwear 
Founded by James Yurichuk and Anthony DeBartolo, Mammoth Outerwear is a premium lifestyle brand that designs outerwear made to perform in the coldest forecast while respecting nature. Each jacket is built with quality, warmth and functional style. Mammoth Outerwear is proud to use wildlife as inspiration rather than material. From the very beginning, the core of its philosophy stands on the principle of enjoying any environment while respecting nature.

Daniel Christian Tang 
Mario Christian, Heng Tang and Luca Daniel Lavorato founded Daniel Christian Tang with a vision to re-invent jewelry and push the boundaries of design. The jewelry created in the collections are true, one of a kind pieces of wearable art. Each piece is custom made from a single 3D printed file and cast in the finest materials. The fusion of innovative design and modern technology has created a jewelry collection that harmoniously blends modern style with timeless elegance inspired by the intersection of arts, fashion, and architecture.

Ms. Dress Up
Ms. Dress Up Inc. founded, by Natalie Catania, designs and manufactures products that offer women innovative style and fashion solutions, empowering them with independence and educating them on how to make feeling beautiful easy.

Exclusive benefits for the Joe Fresh Innovators include:

• Access to start up funding up to $50,000
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with Joe Fresh and Ryerson leadership teams
• Access to Fashion Zone at Ryerson University's equipment and facilities
• Eligible marketing and promotion expenses up to $5,000
• Academic recognition from Ryerson University following completion of the program
• Unique showcasing opportunities
• One dedicated working desk in The Joe Fresh Centre and one flex desk

For more information and details about application requirements and eligibility, please visit JoeFreshCentre.com.

About Joe Fresh 
Essential Style. Exceptional Value. Founded in 2006, Joe Fresh offers accessible, modern design in lifestyle collections for women, men and children. Today one of Canada's leading fashion retailers, Joe Fresh brings a contemporary point of view to everyday wardrobe favourites full of colour, polish and thoughtful details. In categories spanning apparel, accessories, footwear and beauty, Joe Fresh provides quality and style for the entire family. In Canada, Joe Fresh products are available online and in more than 350 retail locations, including 12 freestanding stores. Since 2014, Joe Fresh has opened stores in the Middle East and Mexico with local partners, and grown its U.S. e-commerce business.  For more information, please visit joefresh.com.

About The Joe Fresh Centre
The Joe Fresh Centre, located in downtown Toronto, is modeled after Ryerson University's highly successful DMZ, Canada's top-ranked university incubator, and Ryerson Futures, its affiliated business accelerator. The mission of The Joe Fresh Centre is to identify and develop Canadian startups in all fashion-related fields, including design, production, technology and professional services.

About the Fashion Zone at Ryerson University
The Fashion Zone at Ryerson University is one of Canada's first communities for fashion-inspired businesses. Our members receive business know-how to advance their startups to the next level. The participants have access to their own space, prototyping equipment, and a network of fashion and business experts. Backed by the industry's best, The Fashion Zone is a key player in helping to strengthen and fuel the growth of successful fashion ventures. To find out more about our participation model, visit: fashionzone.ryerson.ca

SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited - Joe Fresh

For further information: Media Inquiries: For Joe Fresh: Kyla Marsh, Public Relations Specialist, [email protected]; For Ryerson University: Dasha Pasiy, Media Relations Officer, Tel: [phone] x.2863, [email protected]