Are you a new designer, new business, new buyer? How about a fashion student  or a model? Chances are, people who are passionate about what they’re doing want to connect to others industry professionals in as many ways as possible.

For the folks in the childrenswear industry, we’ve got HUDSON’S, trade shows, member associations and others. Now, we can add one more networking outlet to the list.

Banker-turned-entrepreneur Rita Kahn is the president of newly launched ZeePortal, a free virtual marketplace for designers, buyers and models working in the fashion industry.

Marketed as “the 24/7 virtual trade show for fashion professionals,” ZeePortal combines the power of BtoB commerce sites with the immediacy of online social networking to help designers, buyers, models and other industry professionals connect and do business in today’s competitive climate.

“The heart of ZeePortal is the virtual showroom, an online marketplace that directly connects working designers with an international network of verified wholesale and retail buyers and distributors, contacts developed through my years of experience in the industry,” Rita says. “When you sign up, we will verify your design credentials, so that our buyers know you’re the real deal. Real designers, real buyers: that’s our promise to both sides.”

Users can search member profiles and designer catalogs, fashion news, expert advice, industry events, online chats, exchange rates, stock quotes, classified ads and online order taking. For added security, designers can choose which buyers can access their profiles and catalogs.

ZeePortal is great for designers, students and startups to make connections, get the latest business news and even conduct business in a virtual environment that Rita says “is tailor-made for our industry.” Zeeportal is also a good way to keep products on the top of buyers’ minds, follow up and to do business after the show, “which is when most buyers place orders,” she adds.

Buyers can join Zeeportal for free and their profiles are searchable by geographic region, style (contemporary or classic), store section (children’s, women’s, men’s, etc.) size, price point and type of item. The site is also open to models, students and the others, creating a streamlined environment that fosters commerce and communication from all corners of the fashion world.

-Janet Muniz