Fashion victim - the killing of  Gianni Versace, a documentary by Jonathan Trent opens the 6th International Competition for Off Fashion designers in Kielce, central Poland.

The leading motif of this year’s competition is, quirkily, Tsarist Russia, says Magdalena Kusztal, director of the Kielce Culture Centre.

Two hundred fashion designers from Poland and several European countries will be competing for the main prize.

The jury of the Off Fashion competition is comprised of renowned Polish designers and stylists. The best projects are to be presented at the semi final show and the event winds up on Saturday with a gala presentation of the designs and award ceremony.
 
The city of Kielce is aspiring to become Poland’s Milan. A European Fashion Centre 'Lady Witch' is to be set up, to provide training for designers and dressmakers. And the Baza Zbożowa Culture Centre hosts artistic workshops, theatrical performances, concerts, presentations, galleries, and exhibition events. It also gives young fashion designers an opportunity to exhibit their collections. (ab)