Fashion // NYC Fashion Design Students Fret No More! Better Than A Cupcake Offers a Way to Get Your Foot in the Door

If you’re a fashion design student you know how tough it is to break into the business. Let’s face it: the fashion industry is all about who you know, but we’ve got the exclusive scoop on one connection who wants to make YOU a world-famous fashion designer. Sydney Bellows came to New York City from Winter Park, Florida to study business at The King’s College and started her website, Better Than A Cupcake. The start-up helps fashion design students who are currently studying in New York City showcase their designs and reach potential buyers and business partners. Designers involved with Better Than A Cupcake can display up to six of their favorite pieces (which are available to be purchased online!) and get feedback from fashionistas regarding their creations through “like” and “dislike” buttons.

All of the designers enrolled with Better Than A Cupcake are also competing for the coveted chance to show their collection at a spring fashion show held in New York City (the more “likes” the better shot the designers have at being featured in a a runway show!) Pretty sweet deal, huh?

Sydney Bellows always had an interest in style and design so the decision to create a fashion website for designers came naturally to her. “I started playing around with ideas and I knew I wanted to do something unique. After exploring for a while, I started noticing how hard it is for fashion designers to break into the industry. In my hometown, we have a spinoff of NYFW called Winter Park Fashion Week. I went to the board of WPFW and asked for the designer applicants that did not make it into the show. I contacted these designers and realized that there was so much potential and that it would be more fun to have the community vote on the designs they wanted to see on the runway instead of someone choosing behind the scenes.” Sydney’s website is definitely something that hasn’t been done before and is 100% unique! Sydney’s passion for helping young designers is also what makes Better Than A Cupcake such a fabulous resource for students. “I know that being young makes it so much harder to get noticed especially in such a competitive market. I want to give students the opportunity to present their designs in a professional light, and hopefully get recognition for their hard work before they graduate.” Mission accomplished, Sydney!

While Better Than A Cupcake is still growing, it is clear that it has a bright future ahead. The designers currently on board with Better Than A Cupcake have been very successful with promoting their brand and are also excited by the opportunity of sharing their clothes at a live runway show this spring! If you’re a fashion design student studying in NYC, Better Than A Cupcake is the perfect place to jumpstart your career. What’s Sydney Bellows’ advice to young designers? “Trust your instincts and don’t give up! Design because you love it not just because you think others will.” One thing CocoKouture is sure of? We love Better Than A Cupcake and we’re convinced you will as well!

Want to learn more about Sydney Bellows and her website for young NYC fashion designers? Keep reading for CocoKouture’s interview with Sydney…

CocoKouture: Have you always loved fashion?
Sydney Bellows: I would say I’ve always had an interest in fashion but I never recognized my love for it until others brought it to my attention.