On Off launches crowdfunding campaign

London-based non-profit showcase for emerging design talent, On Off, founded by Lee Lapthorne in 2003, has turned to crowdfunding site indiegogo.com to raise 25,000 pounds to help the organisation to “continue to support the next generation of designers”.

All donations to the fund will go towards its spring/summer 2016 showcase, which it is planning to host three shows a day during London Fashion Week in September. Taking place at The Vinyl Factory in Soho, London, which is just minutes away from the new BFC show space at the Brewer Street car park.

In its crowdfunding appeal, On Off states that all donations will go towards helping create a “state of the art catwalk space” complete with staging, lighting, live music, a crew of backstage experts, and a film recording, as well as allow the organisation to stage events in the On Off hub, such as exclusive performances and masterclasses.

Depending on the size of the contribution that donors make, they can receive perks in return for their contributions, such as seeing their name in lights, receiving a limited edition designer T-shirt, or even catwalk show tickets and backstage access to On Off shows during London Fashion Week . There will also be opportunities to meet the designers taking part in the showcase.

On Off uses Indiegogo to raise funds for LFW

On Off’s goal has always to “help and mentor” new fashion designers who have limited financial backing, states Lapthorne, and over the years the showcase has helped launch several prominent London labels including J.W. Anderson, Peter Pilotto and Gareth Pugh, who are all among those who showcased their early collections at On Off.

To spread the news of its crowdfunding campaign, On Off is using Thunderclap, a platform that will allow it to blast information about the appeal through its supporters’ social media pages if On Off reaches a goal of 250 supporters. If it does reach the target the campaign will be promoted on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr on August 7 by all those supporters who signed up.

The crowdsourcing campaign closes on August 11 and as the goal is ‘flexible funding’ even if On Off doesn’t hit its target of 25,000 pounds it will still receive all funds raised.

Images: On Off