The fashion industry is exciting and challenging for novices and experienced designers alike. Recognizing this, Kenmore has created 'So You Wanna Be a Designer', a Kenmore Live Studio online fashion reality series, as a means for Americans to venture into the business highlighting their creativity and offering business benefits such as exposure to top designers, stylists and photographers to learn the inner workings of the industry.

For six weeks the reality show will stream live on Kenmore's Facebook page to show budding designers at work, making their dreams a reality. Through the series, contestants will learn how to navigate the barriers of entering the design world: how to create and launch a brand, and how to price, present and promote designs successfully, among other things.

"Kenmore has long been on the leading edge of innovation, value and dependability.  As our customers' needs have evolved, we've worked to create products that meet those needs," said Scott Freidheim, executive vice president, Sears Holdings and president, Kenmore, Craftsman & DieHard.  "Our ability to engage with customers as they desire has also progressed. Today, we are increasingly leveraging technology and online social networks to engage with customers.  This Kenmore Live Studio initiative is a first of its kind and we're excited to be able to give a deserving designer the opportunity to realize their dream of breaking into the design industry through this reality series."

Starting tonight at 6:45 p.m. CT, Americans are invited to watch episodes of 'So You Wanna Be a Designer' and vote* for their favorites at www.facebook.com/Kenmore. At stake for the designers, beyond ultimate bragging rights, are a $20,000 cash prize and an innovative Kenmore Elite® laundry pair that boasts custom clothing care functionality. Under the watchful eye and mentoring of host Debbie Yagel, a seasoned Chicago designer and entrepreneur, the contestants will learn from leading industry insiders how to break into the fashion business and become a successful designer.