22-Year Old Local Fashion Designer Makes it Big at Golden Globes

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

"…don't compromise, keep the drive to do what you love and continuously make connections."  – Adrian Arnieri

ET Canada's Sangita Patel was blown away at how beautiful her gorgeous black gown looked draped across the red carpet. Designed by recent university graduate and Mississauga fashion designer, Adrian Arnieri, Patel could not resist saying that the full length black dress was a true 'piece of art.'

With more than 19 million people watching, Arnieri never imagined he'd see his designs on display at one of Hollywood's most glamorous and prestigious award shows.

Arnieri has loved fashion since the age of three. With support from his family, friends and mentors, he decided to follow his passion. He embarked on a journey into the world of fashion by studying at Ryerson's School of Fashion. While at school, he had the chance to work as an intern to stylists as well as a dresser at a Schwarzkopf fashion show.

With his experiences and talent alone, he started a fashion wardrobe styling business, Arnieri, in 2015. With support from the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre's (MBEC) Summer Company Program, he developed marketing strategies and branding skills.

It also gave him access to a strong network that led him to key individuals in the fashion industry. With the grant he received from MBEC, he was able to purchase

      supplies and materials to grow his business.

"The Program played a huge part in my success, it really gave me the tools and skills to continue my business on my own," said Arnieri. "Networking is major skill which is huge to have when working in the fashion industry. I am so grateful that this Program expanded my business abilities and knowledge."

Arnieri has had guest appearances on Breakfast Television, Global TV, ET Canada and CP24 Breakfast. He also received first place for his dress design at the 2017 Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) and second place in the White Cashmere Collection 2017.

Looking forward, Arnieri has goals to produce a collection for the 2018 Toronto Fashion week, participating in the Canadian Art and Fashion Awards (CAFA), and will be showcasing his collection at the Italian Film Festival in June. In April, Arnieri produced a three-piece collection for an auction to support the Canadian Cancer Society. The collection served to honour his mother who passed away from cancer seven years ago.

MBEC is a central source for business information, resources and guidance. For information and guidance from business professionals, visit MBEC on the fourth floor of the Mississauga Central Library or online at mississauga.ca/mbec.

ABOUT

Small Business Month is from October 1 to 31 – it is an opportunity for us to celebrate and profile more than 94,000 Mississauga local Small-Medium Business Enterprises (SMEs).

What better way to celebrate than profiling Mississauga's local businesses. For more information on Adrian Arnieri or the MBEC, please visit thefutureisunlimited.ca/start-up.

The Summer Company Program is funded by the Government of Ontario. For information about the Summer Company program, visit ontario.ca/summercompany

If you would like to know more about Adrian or to schedule a one-on-one interview, please contact Jamal Robinson at Jamal.Robinson@Mississauga.caor 905-615-3200 ext. 5214.