NLIS 4
September 26, 2001
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)
 

St. John's clothing manufacturer wins Montreal fashion award

For the third year running a Newfoundland clothing designer and manufacturer has won a major national fashion award. Karen Pottle, president of Exploits Oilskin Originals of St. John's, received the award today in Montreal from the Matinee Fashion Foundation. She is one of 25 Canadian designers who share in the $750,000 prize money. 

Ms. Pottle won the award for a new line of coats she has named after Newfoundland communities and streets. The Heart's Content, Heart's Delight and Heart's Desire refer to women's coats that are respectively short, mid-length and long. New coats for men include the Military Row and the Duckworth, which instead of using traditional corduroy collars and cuffs use washable leathers. "The line is a little more dressy, a little less sporty," says Ms. Pottle.

The award recognizes Ms. Pottle's efforts to brand her clothing as distinctive fashion garments. Her clothing goes under the brand name of Rigor which is found in the buttons, snaps, and reflector labels. She is also producing a new catalogue and is working with a marketing company to penetrate United States markets. Her company employs nine people.

"This last year we have been concentrating our efforts in the New England markets such as Boston and Newport, Rhode Island and it's paying off," said Ms. Pottle. "Competing against top Canadian designers is a challenge. I feel very grateful to have won and pleased that Newfoundland is receiving recognition." Ms. Pottle will be using her award money for new product development and brand recognition.

"My warmest congratulations to Ms. Pottle on her latest success," says Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "Exploits Oilskin Originals is a good example of a successful small-scale apparel manufacturing enterprise that creates jobs and exports for Newfoundland and Labrador, as we note in our Report on the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth. Ms. Pottle is an energetic entrepreneur who exhibits the drive and enthusiasm that this department is delighted to support."

The awards were presented at a fashion show aboard a yacht in Montreal at midday September 26. 

Media contact: Clifford Grinling, DDRR, (709) 729-7066
                        Karen Pottle, Exploits, St. John's, (709) 579-1234, Montreal, (514) 987-9900

2001 09 26                                         12:35 p.m.