Emerging designer wins top prize with Target Canada

MONTREAL — Target has presented its Emerging Designer Award to Mélissa Nepton. Nepton was selected from a group of five finalists as the grand prize winner during the final competition hosted last night at Montreal Fashion Week. The Target Emerging Designer Award is part of the Designers Fund, a joint initiative of Groupe Sensation Mode and Fondation de la mode de Montréal.

As the grand prize winner, Nepton will create an apparel collection to be sold exclusively at Target stores in Quebec in 2014. She will also receive a $25,000 grant and will be featured in Elle Québec.

"We're proud to announce Mélissa Nepton as the winner of the Target Emerging Designer Award, which allows up-and-coming fashion designers the opportunity to kick-start their career in fashion," said John Morioka , senior vice-president, Merchandising, Target Canada. "Target is known for its innovative designer partnerships and we look forward to showcasing Melissa's design throughout Quebec."

Mélissa Nepton was introduced to the fashion world at an early age, as she watched her mother create theatre costumes and children's clothes. After studying fashion in Montreal and Paris , she worked for the Marie-Claire Group. Her dream of creating her own label came true when she was cast in the reality TV show La Collection. Soon afterward, Nepton established her eponymous label.

"I feel so fortunate to receive this award and I look forward to seeing my passion and dream become a reality when my collection hits Target's Quebec stores in 2014," said Nepton. "Target has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my work."