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Undoubtedly, the Internet is a great resource if you’re looking for new designers and interesting trends. Yet it can be hard to find a site that genuinely champions and showcases upcoming and talented designers. Leaving aside the great work that some bloggers have done in the last few years, the main fashion sites focus their attention on mainstream brands and designers, offering little or no space to the freshest ideas.
Enter Not Just A Label (NJAL). 
The site – launched in 2007 by a group of four East London artists and creatives with backgrounds in fashion, visual arts and IT – was inspired by the desire to nurture up-and-coming designers giving the latter the chance of presenting their work to both fashionistas and professionals.
In the first few months of this year, NJAL concentrated on building up a directory of students from the main European design schools.
Developed using open source software elements, the site now features articles, interviews, competitions, job listings, an extensive designer directory that covers the whole of Europe and a useful list comprising universities, photographers, shops, showrooms, hotels, bars and restaurants. The most interesting feature offered by the site regards young designers: after signing up, NJAL members are able to upload their personal details, look book images and videos. Have a look at the designers who already uploaded their lookbooks and you will definitely find something interesting, quirky and original, the choice is wide and features talents from all over Europe.
Buyers and press will soon be able to contact and buy directly from them using the RFQ (Request for Quote) tool.
In a way NJAL can be considered as a virtual showroom that puts together designers, fashionistas, scouts and stylists. For the next few months the site will concentrate on building up a directory of designers based in the USA and Asia.
Despite the collapse of financial markets, the fashion industry is doing well and has generated, also thanks to the various courses offered by different international institutions, an incredible high number of passionate designers who are working hard to breathe new life into the industry. Hopefully NJAL will help them in their mission while contributing to build a stronger and even more powerful fashion community.
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