Contemporary
& Thriving
Gwendolyn Bates, a native to San Diego and the military community is the owner of two fashion brands. She is the Founder of GFASH LLC a red-carpet jewelry company and CEO of Fashion Week San Diego as of 2019, which is the longest standing fashion week on the west coast. With operations in CA and NY both fashion companies are major supporters of the San Diego community and have notable social impacts on and off the runway.
years of innovative and progressive
approach to traditional fashion weeks
Goal
To accelerate and launch emerging brands successfully into the fashion industry through showcasing their creative talent in San Diego, while connecting the business community through strategic partnerships.
Mission
Creating professional fashion industry opportunities for sustainability, exposure, growth and local economic impact. Designer focused; community driven
About
Fashion Week San Diego is a traditional fashion week that focuses on emerging designers from around the world and San Diego. We are the longest running and the biggest Fashion Week that is independently owned and operated. FWSD from conception has set out to hold relevant sales and marketing events to showcase the talent of these emerging brands by making sure they also have the opportunity to capitalize and sustain business from our events and exposure. We have a reputation for always being professional, reputable, the right audience and produced real results for the designer brands we showcase. Fashion Week San Diego / FWSD has been able to launch the careers of many designers and continues to grow every year.
FWSD contracts military and
veterans in the creative field(s). Additionally, FWSD has a dedicated fund targeted to assist transitioning military into new career paths and/or civilian life as a creative.
Culture
Designer Diversity & Cultural Program
Fashion Week San Diego is the only fashion week with a professional program dedicated to creatives who are minorities that will experience Fashion Week from an in-depth business prospective.
FWSD launched as the only Designer Diversity & Cultural Program in San Diego to increase inclusion and professionalism in underserved communities. Furthermore, FWSD has also reached out into the fashion sustainability realm of STEAM with a leadership workshop aimed to collaborate with San Diego Youth for solutions to fashion sustainability and now partners with UCSD (University of California San Diego).
FUTURE FASHION LEADERS & STEM WORKSHOP
High level STEM fashion workshop.
• High school students and industry expert mentorship.
• Collaboration with NYC Council of Fashion Designers of America.
• Design exploration, sustainability focus, hands-on experience creating patterns, garment rendering and peer lead presentations.
• Opportunity to present to FWSD Audience.
“ FWSD has become a huge event in our community. It’s important to the city of San Diego on a couple of fronts: 1) It brings tourists to San Diego; 2) FWSD is helping to build our economy, create jobs and educate young people. The City of San Diego is proud to have this event in our community.” – Todd Gloria, Present of San Diego City Council
Exposure
“FWSD Showcases emerging designers from around the world, and it’s not just a one-week event, but more of an ongoing year of events that Fashion Lovers can enjoy.” – The San Diego Union Tribune
Milestones
2012
FWSD had the second most media impression in San Diego next to Comic Con.
2013
FWSD received 2
proclamations making the
1st week of October
2014
FWSD restratigizes the industry and approach.
2015
Designer received at least$20.k - $80k of pressexposure, Avg equaling $15 million in media impressions
34.7% in 2023
User Penetration
US $288.30
Average Revenue Per User