September 23, 1999
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Local apparel producer wins recognition as Canadian fashion designer

A local apparel manufacturer has received a prestigious national fashion award. Exploits Oilskin Originals of St. John's was one of 11 recipients at the Matinee Fashion Designer Debut in Montreal last night, and the only award recipient in Atlantic Canada. "We have now clearly shifted from being an apparel producer to a fashion house," said Exploits president, Karen Pottle.

The Matinee Fashion foundation was established in 1992 to provide financial assistance to talented Canadian fashion designers. Last night's recipients are among 33 fashion designers across Canada who are sharing $750,000. Ms. Pottle will use the award to purchase fashion design software.

"I am delighted to congratulate Ms. Pottle on this new award," said Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. "Over the past several years I have watched this young company achieve international recognition for innovative designs in stylish and functional clothing. I am especially pleased to see Exploits creating jobs and expanding as a small manufacturer, particularly in export markets."

Mr. Tulk also said that the Department of Development and Rural Renewal is working closely with Ms. Pottle to help her expand her business.

Former CBC costume designer Karen Pottle uses traditional oilskin materials to produce a line of fashionable clothing with names such as the Avalon Great Coat, the La Scie Anorak and the Canso Jacket which she manufactures with a staff of eight in St. John's. Her clothing is sold in Boston, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Seattle. The Matinee award raises Exploits to the level of top Canadian clothing designers such as Brian Bailey, Franco Mirabelli, and Hilary Radley, all former Matinee winners.

Previously, Exploits won awards for Best New Product at the Toronto National Gift Show and Atlantic Crafts Trade Show at Halifax in 1997, and the Prominence of Design award at Halifax in 1999.

The crafts industry has been identified by the provincial government as a strategic growth industry that allows people to turn their skills into a business and employ others. More than 2,000 crafts people in Newfoundland and Labrador generate $15 million in sales annually. The department also encourages small-scale manufacturing which currently produces shipments in excess of $1.8 billion (excluding traditional fishery, mining, forestry and petroleum sectors) and generates the equivalent of 17,500 full-time jobs in all areas of the province.

Media contact:

Clifford Grinling, DDRR, (709) 729-7066

Karen Pottle, Exploits, (709) 579-1234 or (514) 987-9900

1999 09 23                                                 12:45 p.m.