Thursday April 24, 2014 - Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Transcription
Thursday April 24, 2014 - Kwantlen Polytechnic University
4 1 0 2 l 24, a t r e i w t h e nd bc r p A sday s h o c h m o 1 8 r u h T ver k ri s: $ 8 t e r o c rOAd, k tic e t s : $ 3 r m e p i r &3 riv ck i m 1 t p 1 1 s: w : 7 p m 88 w o h d a y Sn i n g s h o eve GY O 2014 L O w H Nthesho C E a/ T pu.c D N t: k a A s t N icke G I S T E D N IO H S FA presented by gold sponsors MEDIA sponsors SH HELLO! OW meet the faces of Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design: FASHION, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 2014 THESHOW2014 @THESHOW_2014 @THESHOW2014 THESHOW2014 JAN BAUTISTA KADY CHONG COURTENAY GRANT KELLY KIM ELLEN HAN SERENA KOO ALEXANDRA DEAN KYLEE GILL FEI HUANG VENUS LAI SHELBY GILLINGHAM CECILIA IGNACIO LULU LEE CONNIE LEUNG KEISHA LOWES SH OW JULIANNE MO CINDY LUO KAYLYN MACKENZIE CAROLYN MOLZAHN ELISA MEDINA CHANTEL MONGOVIUS SHELAYNE MULHOLLAND 2014 NATASA NIKOLOV LAUREN PARISOTTO NICOLE PICCO KATIE ROYCE MELISSA TSUI JENNIFER WILLIAMS SEANNA SCHMULAND AILEEN TWA NATALIE WU MELISSA SIMPSON JEASSEA THYIDOR LINDIE VAN VUUREN BETTY ZHAO COURTNEY TIBERT JENNY VASILOPOULOS JAN BAUTISTA janbautista.com [email protected] From being a small town boy to a city lad, Jan never ignored the richness of his background as a tool to manifest his creativity. His interest in fashion started from comparing the different lifestyles he was exposed to while growing up. Originally from the Philippines, Jan moved to Canada with his family where his love for fashion grew fonder and more lucid. This exposure to distinct lifestyles made him realize the importance of craftsmanship and his own definition of beauty. Interning at Manuel Mendoza and Walk This Sway made him even more interested in the beauty of putting meaning to garments. Now, he hopes to be a designer who brings designs that narrate a story, invigorate our imagination and move our souls. Jan hopes to work someday in the theatre and film industry, particularly at Cirque Du Soleil or where clothes act as a functional yet purposeful element - to entertain and bring stories alive. 6 MAISON BEAUTITSTA CELEBRATING LIFE THROUGH NARRATIVE AUTHENTICITY AND ECCENTRICITY Redefining the post-modern dandy and mature gentleman, Maison Beautista is an apparel company that associates fine arts and different cultural values through clothing. The company’s focus is to provide narrative eccentric designs that are well crafted, meaningful, and authentic, yet still meet the importance of fit and comfort. We intertwine an artistic approach to clothing with social, political and cultural values. Maison Beautista strives to create conceptual meaningful stories every man could cherish and use as a tool to celebrate life to the fullest. This season we are exploring the works of the art movement of the Post-Impressionism Era, and more specifically Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “Irises”. This particular masterpiece represents the celebration and adoration life deserves, despite the congested materialistic society. His painting is an expression of his burning desire to prove his ability to paint with total control and celebrate his life with nature despite his creative madness. The painting’s angles and strokes serve as a reminder for everyone that man and nature are connected holistically and must move forward in unison. Nature’s problems are also our concerns. To create the mood, we focused on the three main themes of this painting and era - EMOTIONAL HONESTY, ABSTRACT BEAUTY, AND DISTINCT BOLDNESS. Photographer: Gene Figueroa Model: Myles Hurtubise Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 7 KADY CHONG www. kadychong.com [email protected] Kady Chong was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Her childhood consisted largely of exploring different forms of art, like illustration and painting. She shares a close relationship with her mother who taught Kady how to sew and has encouraged her to have a do-it-yourself attitude. It was this relationship that sparked Kady’s interest in fashion. Her love for textile design comes from focusing largely on the process. Kady believes that through trial and error, the best lessons and discoveries occur organically and with a lasting impact. Through her work, she has established ways to practice sustainable dying techniques that has little impact on the environment. Kady draws inspiration from her past internship at Fidelity Denim, where she learnt how classic denim can be transformed into innovative designs through selective fabric and colour. This concept motivates Kady’s work process today and has inspired her to design by the “less is more” philosophy. Her ambition is to combine minimal and clean design with handcrafted techniques that are able to transcend time. 8 PAUSE. IT’S TIME TO PAUSE. PAUSE. was created in response to the unsustainable practices of the fast-fashion industry which is responsible for years of dehumanizing mass-production resulting in over consumption and waste. PAUSE. is based on slow practices to create a simple yet strong story. PAUSE. is inspired by the “less is more” philosophy, acknowledging the origin of sensible dressing by integrating modern design with the craftsmanship of passionate artisans in Vancouver, BC. Garments are hand-painted and dyed, using 100% biodegradable materials. PAUSE. constructs season-less pieces to prevent over consumption and to outlast trends without sacrificing design and function. It is for women who want meaning behind the clothing they wear. PAUSE. considers the economic, social, and environmental impact when choosing materials and processes. PAUSE. remains local and selects highly skilled artisans to construct the garments, who also choose to use natural fabrics and dye ingredients purchased from local retailers. For Spring/Summer 2015, the colour palate is created from black beans, avocado skins and tea. PAUSE. composts the portions they use for dyeing, while the edible portions are donated to local soup kitchens and charities to ensure nothing goes to waste. Photographer: Marshall Heritage Model: Lauren Overholt Make-up: Aleksandra Likhtarova Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 9 ALEXANDRA DEAN [email protected] As soon as Alexandra could pick up a pencil, she began her journey to design. Spending her free time drawing clothing and designing houses, Alexandra knew she would pursue a creative career. During her high school years, Alexandra’s love for fashion grew. After completing high school she knew without a doubt she would follow a path to design. During her time at Kwantlen, Alexandra discovered her passion for pattern drafting and design. Her interests led her to her internship at lululemon athletica in Product Development, after which she obtained a position assisting the Fit Specialist. Here she gained immense industry knowledge on design and production. Finding beauty in simplicity, Alexandra has always had an attraction to minimalistic design. Allowing no deviation from silhouette, line and texture, she incorporates a minimal aesthetic into her collection. The final product embodies sleek simplicity. 10 FORM REDISCOVER SUSTAINABLE WITH FORM With the rapid pace of the fast-fashion industry and inclining consumption rates, Alexandra Dean was inspired to create timeless designs that live beyond the seasons. FORM is dedicated to providing the contemporary woman with sustainable clothing that embodies quality and sleek simplicity. “As a consumer, I’m always trying to buy ethical pieces, however, in Vancouver, it’s particularly hard to find sustainable clothing that embody a contemporary style similar to my line,” Dean says as she prepares to launch the Fall/Winter ’14 collection, FORM. “I wanted to create quality pieces that are timeless yet edgy, something that is exciting.” Inspired by Scandinavian design, the line impresses with each thoughtfully crafted piece. FORM focuses on minimalistic design, strongly influenced by architecture and geometric shapes. Using a palette of timeless colours allows for no deviation from the silhouette, texture and fit. With subtle edginess, this collection celebrates confidence and empowerment. The FORM customer looks for clothing that reflects her individualism without demanding to be noticed, while meeting her personal values. Ethics and sustainability have become a large factor in her shopping habits; she cares where the garments are made, and what they are made from. Photographer: Sebastian Syrota Model: Jade Be Make-up: Maria Hernandez Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 11 KYLEE GILL www. kyleegdesign.com [email protected] Trinity A P P A R E L 12 As a local designer who grew up in the suburbs of White Rock, Kylee Gill has strived to develop a connection between fashion & everyday life. As a plus sized preteen with few style options, she had dreamt of a line inspired by the philanthropic giving of young girls, filling the hole found within tween style options and everyday choices. Striving for experience in the field, Kylee took an early interest in design, turning her dreams into reality. As a peer tutor & Advance Placement student in Textiles during high school, Kylee decided to take her passion further by entering & winning first place in the regional Skills Canada Competition. This allowed her to develop her skills in pattern drafting with design, and was the start of her journey to Kwantlen’s Fashion Design & Technology program. Her experience as a freelance custom designer throughout school has shaped her knowledge of fit & function as she gained experience in the product development side of fashion. TRINITY APPAREL BRINGING IMPACT, COMMUNITY & GIVING TOGETHER “Her perfect world would have a harmonious blend of both technology and nature... as she embraces, she protects and learns from tradition and the earth, she uses technology and her overdeveloped sense of empathy to carve a path to inspire and create change” says Kylee Gill, designer of Trinity Apparel. Trinity Apparel dives into the hearts of 8-12 year olds. Giving every girl a voice and a chance to show her passions about the environment, nature & volunteering with her communities. Kylee works to bring to life quality, stylish & bold street wear that every girl needs, helping them to give back to the causes they care most about. Working as an ecofriendly organization Trinity Apparel builds a long lasting, versatile & timeless collection for young girls to treasure season after season. Garments are constructed from organic fabrics, featuring recycled fibres for the technical pieces. This season’s collection is inspired by three charities and thousands of girls who have worked to build a world everyone can call home. With 10% of sales from our garments going to charities chosen by you, your clothes can start making a difference in the world just like you do. “I would like to support the community and give back, [plus] I like [to know] the stories behind the stuff” Meena, Age 10 Photographer: Lanaya Flavelle Model : Trinity Howcroft Hair/Make-up: Kylee and Lisa Gill Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 13 SHELBY GILLINGHAM [email protected] Shelby Gillingham is a fashion designer based in Vancouver, BC, who grew up with a profound appreciation for leading an active lifestyle whilst enjoying the beautiful mountains and ocean scenery. Her desire and constant pursuit in the imaginative field began at a young age while being surrounded by a creative family with an array of talents. An immediate fondness for textiles and practical design flourished which led her to continue her studies in fine arts and sewing. Shelby began studying Fashion Design and Technology at The Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design, at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Her education has trained her to be able to identify and analyze possibilities, and use innovation to devise creative solutions. Shelby’s talents for design, sewing, and forecasting opened her up to an internship opportunity with lululemon athletica, where she now holds a position as Design Assistant with the Vision Pod. Throughout her design career, Shelby has drawn inspiration from romanticism, escapism, and her relationships with others, good or bad. Love is known to be the most exalted of human emotions, in both its agonies and ecstasies, and it always ends up being the roots of her work. Infinite childhood, immortal innocence, and everlasting romance exemplify her design aesthetic. 14 NVRLND RIDE AWAY TO NVRLND Ride away to N V R L N D, where commitment to quality, functionality, and detail provide endless escape and adventure for the active thrill-seeker. N V R L N D is a design manufacturer that creates transitional apparel for the female motorcycle rider, committing to providing safe and functional features with the perfect blend of street-inspired design aesthetic. Their product is designed for the youthful-spirited, adrenaline-seeking female who likes to make a lasting impression. The love for her motorcycle and the feeling she gets when wearing the slick and edgy N V R L N D apparel with that “just right” fit and functional detailing, give her everlasting chills. In Shelby Gillingham’s Spring Summer 2015 collection Coastal Awakening, inspiration was drawn from the west coast wonders, and the textures and treatments of innovative fabrics. As seen in her crinkled natural lambskin Moto Jacket, contemporary design takes a new turn in a more feminine and luxurious style. Soft tonal shades of pink, white, and warm taupes mixed with jet blacks and deep navys, are combined in her collection to evoke the sensation of infinite freedom and everlasting romance. Functionality is purposely designed into each garment for the always moving N V R L N D customer. Functional pockets and protective light armour are provided throughout certain key pieces in the collection, and innovations in placement are integrated into designs allowing personal essentials to be carried with ease. With the continuous growth of the female motorcycle community, more women are seeking their independence through their riding apparel. As Shelby researched the market, she noticed that the women riding looked masculine and bulky in their riding apparel. Looking for the aesthetic of high-end sportswear brands, whilst maintaining functionality and safety was challenging. Escape to N V R L N D where this combination has been brought to reality. Photographer: Melanie Allard Model: Bryanna Johnson Hair/Make-up: Espanda Ghorbannia Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 15 COURTENAY GRANT [email protected] Growing up, Courtenay Aileen Grant spent her childhood exploring her creativity through various forms of media and athletics. This Calgary native’s creative and active spirit has led to a unique marriage of her two passions in life, synchronized swimming and fashion design. From an early age you could find her expressing her creativity on Team Canada or in her bedroom with her fashion sketchbook in front of her, with numerous coloured pencils blanketing the floor. Her two passions eventually collided when she began making her own lavish costumes which led to the Canadian synchronized swimming community taking notice, and orders started flowing in. Today her creations are worn by some of the top athletes in the country on both the national and international stage. In 2010 Courtenay made the decision to move to Vancouver and pursue a degree in Fashion Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic. Although she has been running a successful swim costume business since 2005, Courtenay always looks to challenge herself personally and professionally, as well as explore new avenues in the fashion industry. Through her experiences at Kwantlen and her internship at Chloë Angus Design, Courtenay has been able to further develop her production and design skills, as well as gain the knowledge to build a strong and successful business in the fashion industry. 16 VICTORY ROLLA’S VINTAGE INFUSED SWIMWEAR AND PLAYSUITS FOR THE ROCKABILLY WOMAN Having entered Kwantlen’s Fashion program with a strong knowledge in swimwear, Courtenay wanted to further explore the many avenues in the fashion industry. In preparation for the final year of her degree, Courtenay stumbled across the fascinating world of the Pin-Up, Rockabilly women. It was this group of women that inspired Courtenay to unveil her swimwear and playsuit collection, Victory Rolla’s. Victory Rolla’s provides the Rockabilly women with alternatives to conventional vintage swimwear and summer apparel, while providing a means for them to express their retro, vintage style and vivacious personalities. Courtenay saw an opportunity for a ready-to-wear swimwear and playsuit brand that has its design roots in historical reproductions, combined with modern twists and excitement. The rockabilly women live this lifestyle to varying degrees, but at the root of the subculture they all have similar values on how they present themselves to the world. These women always want to put their best foot forward no matter what they do, “just looking at them you can see their belief that being well-dressed is a beautiful form of politeness,” says Courtenay. “As I researched this fascinating culture, I became so inspired and enamoured with these women in how they were so confident in their skin. The way they exude confidence in the way they dress and adorn their bodies in lipstick, jewelry, and stunning tattoos, inspire me.” The Summer 2015 collection of Victory Rolla’s showcases Courtenay’s vintage-inspired and historically-referenced designs, from the fun and cheeky swimwear ads of the 1950s and early 60s. With her strong background in swimwear, Courtenay faces the challenges of bringing these historical silhouettes and fit to life using modern fabrics, production, and fitting techniques, while still maintain the designs’ historical integrity. Photographer: Pete Jones Model: Keilani Jung Make-up: Kedesh Sears Hair: Angelique Gruetzmacher Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 17 ELLEN HAN [email protected] 18 Fascinated with fashion since childhood, Ellen began to take her hobby seriously as early as grade eight, when she enrolled in a Textiles class. Since then, she has followed her design ambitions with tenacity and singleness of purpose, winning several Top Student Awards for her work. Having gained much first-hand experience in women’s fashion design and retailing, Ellen has in recent years felt the need to challenge herself by exploring various aspects of men’s fashion, beginning with her versatile, transformative outerwear line. WATER ST. MODE DISTINCTIVE OUTERWEAR FOR DISTINCTIVE MEN WATER ST. MODE understands the lifestyle of the creative, urban professional and strives to provide outerwear that fulfills his needs. We recognize that every man should have a well-balanced life, both at work and at leisure, and feel confident and at ease in the world. He appreciates fashion and high quality design, and wears his acquisitions proudly. His daily look is casual, yet thoughtful. He distains ostentation, preferring instead innovative designs that are both unexpected and classic. WATER ST. MODE strives to provide the urban adventurer with sophisticated colours and a modern slimmer fit to match his professional values and personal style. Focusing on transformative detailing, WATER ST. MODE, will give the client the flexibility and confidence to live, work and play from morning to night. Removable adjustable sleeves, removable lining, and hidden hood, together with all-weather fabrications, are just some of the features that make WATER ST. MODE unique, essential and stylish outerwear. Photographer: Vivian Leung Model: Jordan Hayward Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 19 FEI HUANG www.feihuangdesign.com [email protected] 20 Fei immigrated to Canada at the age of 19 from Taipei, Taiwan, where she was born and raised. Deeply influenced by her parents, a Chinese painting artist and a graphic designer, she has been involved in different kinds of artwork all her life. Before coming to Vancouver, Fei studied fashion design in Shih Chien University in Taiwan, giving her experience in the fashion industry in Asia and North America. Her multi-cultural background makes her unique and different. Fei is passionate about combining different elements and skills creatively into her designs, which she believes can be more than just fabrics. Her internship at Christine Lingerie, and work experience at HN Wedding studio and La Senza, has deepened her empathy for women who crave to look beautiful and confident. Fei’s ambition is to become a designer who is able to fulfill most women’s desire to be fashionable. LOCEF DRESS ETHICALLY AND CREATIVELY Locef aims to provide creative and environmentally-friendly loungewear for women who are looking for unique pieces that allow them to work, travel, or relax at home without compromising comfort. The designs are versatile or transformable because the designer, Fei Huang, believes that the “two or more in one” concept could help the environment by reducing discarded clothing as well as the amount of resources required to produce new clothing. When nature gradually comes alive again with scents of spring, Locef’s spring/summer 15 collection will be there waiting. The new collection is inspired by earthy tones and sustainable fabrics such as linen, bamboo, and recycled polyester. With simple yet elegant designs, the collection is versatile and transformable. These are innovative pieces that allow the wearer to be creative, and they can be worn on many different occasions. The Cape Top features a loose fit and a transformative drape piece which can be unbuttoned and turned into a cascade design detail. This top can be worn on special occasions, but is comfortable enough for lounging at home. The top can be paired with leggings or Locef’s relaxed knit pants, which are designed with dynamic prints that brighten the whole outfit. Photographer: Redflash Model: Mia Cosco Hair: Fei Huang Make-up: Venus Lai Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 21 CECILIA IGNACIO www.ceciliaignacio.com [email protected] Born in Vancouver, BC and raised in the suburbs of Ladner, BC, Cecilia spent her childhood with an interest in the arts. At the age of 12 she learned how to sew, which led to her interest in fashion. Through her four years in the Fashion Design Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, she developed a variety of skills, including pattern drafting, technical drawing, and draping. The program provided her with a diverse set of skills, both creative and technical, along with entrepreneurial skills that have helped her develop as a designer. Within the program, Cecilia gained experience in the fashion industry and interned in the design and merchandising department at ivivva athletica, a division of lululemon athletica. Through her internship she developed a keen interest for design. She currently works as a design assistant at Eric + Lani, a junior line affiliated with Kensie. This experience, along with her love for streetwear, inspired Cecilia to develop her final collection of streetwear for tween girls. 22 WILLA-JADE TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Willa-Jade is a confident tween girl who loves to express herself through fashion. She’s the type of girl who would rather wear jeans than dresses and she never wears the color pink. She lives an active lifestyle and therefore she looks for clothing that is super comfortable to move around in as she is always on the go. Cecilia Ignacio aims to cater to these tween girls with a line of tomboy inspired streetwear for girls 8-12 years old. “When I was a tween, there was a lack of clothing available for the tween tomboy. I would always look at how cool the boys clothing were and wondered why they didn’t have versions made for girls. As a result, I always had a difficult time shopping for clothes. I wished someone had made clothing without the pink and frills back in the day, which is why I was inspired to start this collection of tomboy inspired streetwear for tween girls,” says Ignacio. Cecilia’s streetwear line named Willa-Jade combines comfortable knit fabrics along with statement pieces that can be mixed and matched within the wardrobe. A key feature that Cecilia incorporates is comfort, making sure to use fabrics that are super comfortable and soft, such as bamboo cotton stretch jersey and fleece. Photographer: Taya Photography Model: Olivia Mey & Cailin Costa Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 23 KELLY KIM [email protected] Born in South Korea, Kelly Kim has drawn her inspiration from her family’s fashion business back home. Her parents’ passion for clothing captivated her at a young age and led her to pursue fashion design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Kelly’s interest in menswear was fuelled by her passion for street fashion photography. Being a DJ, photographer, snowboarder, and avid skateboarder, Kelly tries to incorporate parts of her lifestyle into her design style. Varié 24 The experience Kelly has gained while at Kwantlen has helped build her technical and marketing skills. Kelly’s design techniques and research skills have become her strengths. Kelly learned how to balance her avant-garde artistic mind with the technical side of the fashion industry. VARIÉ SHOW YOUR STYLE ON THE STREET Vancouver is an awesome city to ride long-board in. “Light breeze on the street, the morning sunshine, and the aroma of the west coast” says Kelly Kim designer for Varie. Varié’s spring/summer 2015 collection will excite men in “Vancity” who enjoy cruising to work with their feet on their long-board decks. The collection features street-culture inspired business and casual attire for the Long-board enthusiasts. Kelly’s devotion to street culture has given her an understanding of career men commuting to work while long-boarding. This unique lifestyle in Vancouver influenced her to create a collection which combines a tailored suit with street couture style. “There are individuals full of personality and character in Vancouver, I want to satisfy them with my designs,” says Kim. Varié’s exclusive colour blocking and fabric choices for the longboarding will appeal to her customers and will exude a pleasant vibe on the street. Photographer: Bernard Patacsil Model: Jack Kang Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 25 SERENA KOO www.serena-koo.com [email protected] Serena’s realization that fashion was more than just garments but an expression of personality and art form allowed her to follow her ambitions. Her love grew when she travelled to Europe and explored an array of modern and classical art galleries and wandered through department stores that blended beautifully design and crafted clothing with an original retail experience. Growing up in Langley and moving to Vancouver for school, Serena enjoys both rural and urban environments. During the years in her studies she has obtained skills from garment design and production to textile and surface design, and has worked in jobs that include retail, manufacturing and wholesale. In her third year of the program Serena gained an internship that led to a summer assistant design contract at ivivva athletica, a division of lululemon. She has become a professional individual who is delighted to be a part of the industry after graduation. Trompe L’oeil 26 Serena is grateful for all the opportunities and individuals she has experienced and met thus far. She hopes to gain a design career in the fashion industry, continue travelling, being exposed to different cultures and to never stop learning, exploring, and being inspired by new people and discoveries. TROMPE L’OEIL ONE GARMENT; TWO GENDERS. By breaking the gender boundaries of clothing, designer Serena Koo is debuting her grad collection of unisex apparel. Trompe L’oeil (“tromp loy”) illustrates creativity and experimentation in garments that reflect art, meaning and purpose to individuals who think beyond social norms. Each garment is designed and fitted for both the male and female form. One garment for two genders. “I’m inspired by people who I see in the city and the beauty of “art” around us,” says Serena. “These people are aware of their surroundings and what is culturally going on in the world. They are “art literate” and appreciate self-expression in clothing and appearance.” As for the “art” around us, Serena is inspired by everyday things. “Everyday things could be the sun peeking through the blinds that spark an idea to a pattern or the way a napkin is scrunched on a table that leads to fabric manipulation in a shirt.” This season is directed to bold colours and prints. Trompe L’oeil enters a striking environment where realism and illusions super¬impose. Folds of the garments overlap and pieces are to be layered. The feature palette includes the brands base colours of black, navy and grey yet the combination of surrealistic orange and a soft daylight blue accent makes this season bold yet ethereal. Photographer: Marshall Heritage Model: Lauren Overholt & Alex Pimm Make-up: Aleksandra Likhtarova Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 27 VENUS LAI [email protected] Carpe Diem; to seize the day are befitting words for fashion designer Venus Lai. Born in Hong Kong and raised in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Venus has encompassed the word carpe diem very well, by indulging in different aspects of art, music, fashion, and travel from a very young age. Being in the Fashion and Technology Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University has further trained her into becoming a person with not only creativity, but also a set of technical skills and a business mind. Along with her degree, Venus has also been taking courses to achieve her Fashion Marketing Diploma to further immerse and broaden her opportunities in the fashion industry. An exchange semester at Shih Chien University in Taiwan enticed Venus to want to travel and work abroad. With several languages under her belt, she wishes to be ambitious and seek opportunities to work internationally. The internship opportunity working at Kensie has been wonderful, and along with years of working in retail, Venus has grown into a professional, equipped with skills and experience. Venus is ready to embark on her journey, armed with what she has learned over the years and looking forward to seeing what the future brings. “Hide not your talents, they for use were made; what’s a sundial in the shade?” – Benjamin Franklin 28 HANA CONTEMPORARY CULTURAL STYLE FOR STYLISH BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS HaNa — contemporary cultural style for stylish business professionals. Immerse yourself in tradition and sophistication with designs from HaNa. The brand aims to cater to women who appreciate different cultures and heritage with fashion—reconnecting with tradition and iconic symbols of the past. Designs are inspired by multiculturalism, giving a modern aesthetic twist to the simplicity of historic fashion references. Slimline silhouettes show feminine features, along with cinch waist coats that give focus to the waist. For Fall/Winter 2014, experience memories of the oriental past. Inspired by Asian culture, fabrics make a statement with texture and prints. Simple silhouettes evoke streamlined elegance with elongated pencil skirts, dresses and wrap jackets . Photographer: Matthew Chen Model: Aly C Hair/Make-up: Venus Lai Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 29 LULU LEE [email protected] Designer Lulu Lee was born in Taipei and raised in Vancouver, BC. At a young age, she discovered an innate ability to create. Through different mediums, Lulu has developed artistic abilities that allow her to transfer ideas from thought to physical form. The decision to pursue a career in design was the result of discovering fashion as her ultimate medium, as well as a desire to pursue individuality in the form of dress. Lulu gained experience in the fashion industry through internships in event production, wholesale, and design, most recently at International Fashions under the labels Kersh and Press. In 2013, Lulu completed a semester of exchange in her native city of Taipei, Taiwan. Upon exploring her roots and connecting with different cultures, a desire to travel and see the world and what influences local fashion was sparked. In her fourth year at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, all aspects of Lulu’s education have come together holistically to form her graduate collection, philosophy. She has utilized hard skills like drafting, draping, digital illustration, and soft skills such as communication and critical examination to develop a lingerie line she is proud to call her debut collection. Her love of luxury fabrics and empathy for the small-framed female’s struggle to find proportionate lingerie has led to the formation of a contemporary luxury lingerie line for petite women. 30 PHILOSOPHY SUBTLE, SENSUAL, INDULGENT. The small-framed female will no longer feel overlooked and discouraged when searching for beautiful, quality lingerie. philosophy is dedicated to satisfying her with lingerie and loungewear that offers focused sizing, using classic silhouettes blended with contemporary design details. Lulu discovered an unfulfilled need in Vancouver’s market for structured bras in hardto-find band and cup sizes. After bra shopping in Asia, she realized that finding petite undergarments that offer optimum fit and shape should not be as difficult as it is in North America. From this discovery stemmed a mission to provide our customer with lingerie and loungewear proportionate to a petite body type, whilst upholding the standards of luxurious design and fabrication. Two collections per year include bras, panties, chemises, robes, and teddies that allow our customer to transition easily from a hectic workday to rest and relaxation time at home. The company’s design philosophy: subtly indulgent, subdued but sexy. We are understated, clean, contemporary, and feminine. Photography: Miya Gu Photography Model/Makeup: Jessica Margaret Hair: Venus Lai Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 31 CONNIE LEUNG www. connie-leung.com [email protected] Connie Leung was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Richmond, British Columbia at the age of four. Growing up, she loved making things by hand, whether building Lego, woodworking, painting, or cooking. Eventually she came to discover sewing in her high school’s home economics class, and loved the process of creating a product from start to finish. Connie started to appreciate the craftsmanship and knowledge of clothing through sewing garments. Through her four years at Kwantlen, she discovered endless possibilities. If you asked Connie ten years ago, she would have never thought of entering the fashion field. Connie’s design aesthetic will be showcased through her new special occasion wear brand noda, designed for the sophisticated tween girl. The collection possesses a modern and whimsical look that appeals to the fashion conscious young teen and her mom. The brand encompasses beautiful fabrics, exquisite details, and timeless designs. 32 NODA FOR THE SOPHISTICATED, ENERGETIC YOUNG GIRL SEEKING STYLE noda produces apparel for tween girls that can take them to formal occasions like charity events, piano recitals, banquets, and formal dinners. noda is for tween girls (ages 9 to 14) who are seeking clothing that can accommodate their rapidly changing bodies, while maintaining their sense of style. They are at an age where they seek individuality and are trying to take control of their personal lives. They want to have a voice in the products they use, the fashions they wear, and what they watch on TV. noda’s fall/winter 2014 collection brings the best in special occasion apparel, ranging from elegant faux fur jackets to lovely chiffon dresses. This collection allows tweens to shine during the festive holidays. Melding delicate designs with modern finishes, noda elevates its special occasion line in a rich, chic colour palette. The colour palette revolves around dewy silvers, champagne gold, and hushed velvet tones, which bring a luxurious dose of drama to the story. Mixed fabrics play with smooth velvets, modern laces, and soft plush furs. Photographer: Lanaya Flavelle Model: Paris Howcroft Hair/Make-up: Kylee and Lisa Gill Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 33 KEISHA LOWES [email protected] Keisha has sewn long since before she could remember. Her most vivid memories were of sitting on her grandmother’s lap helping her feed quilts through the machine. Her fondness for sewing led Keisha to sew and create clothing for all of her favorite stuffed animals. Sewing came naturally to Keisha. It was no surprise that she finished all 5 years of textiles in high school and chose Kwantlen’s Fashion Design program for her next step. During Keisha’s studies at Kwantlen she has not only interned at Global Collective Design, but also worked her way into a production assistant position and has worked to organize several of their legendary warehouse sales. This unique opportunity has given Keisha great insight and understanding of the industry. Keisha’s knowledge of the fashion industry and inspiration led her on a wonderful journey for her collection. Her inspiration for this men’s travel collection comes from her personal travels and adventures to Sonora Resort, a luxury fishing resort on Sonora Island. There, her connection to one of the eco-tour guides and their personal stories of adventures in traveling gave her the insight and inspiration for “Compass Travel Co.” Compass Travel Co. is a line of menswear geared towards the single 30-45 year old man who craves adventure. Spending his downtime on other continents, he looks for his next cultural experience. His style at home is laid back cool, with heritage detailing and colours, however his functional travel apparel doesn’t reflect that. Compass is a blend of functional fabrics like merino jersey and mesh-backed softshell with the style that he loves. Compass has allowed Keisha to find an area of the fashion industry that is not only underserved, but something that a consumer needs to add to their wardrobe. In an industry of over consumption, working with a company that is making a difference in people’s lives is her ultimate career goal. 34 COMPASS TRAVEL CO. WHEREVER YOUR ADVENTURES TAKE YOU, TAKE COMPASS WITH YOU. Calling all adventurers; Compass Travel Co. is here. The debut collection from Keisha Lowes for Spring 2015, pulls inspiration from her home in the Pacific Northwest with earthy neutrals, cool blues, and crisp white with highlights of orange and green. “This collection is inspired by the modern day wanderer,” says Lowes. “His day to day style is heritage cool, but his travel style doesn’t reflect that. This collection of separates will allow him to blend his everyday wardrobe with travel friendly pieces.” Spring/Summer 2015, showcases favorite styles like henleys, shorts, and button down shirts, in fabrics that are easy to care for and comfortable on the body. Merino wool jersey, mesh-backed softshell, and stretch cotton blends ensure that comfort is key allowing the wearer to have his next adventure. By combining wearable and easy to care for fabrics in favorite styles with slimmer fits, a collection of styles that can easily go from a casual office in the city to the departure gate comes together. Photographer/Stylist: Keisha Lowes Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 35 CINDY LUO www.cindy-luo.com [email protected] The first time Cindy picked up a hand-sewing needle was at the age of 12. She did not have a sewing machine, but would hand sew little projects for fun, using whatever she could get her hands on. Her fascination for sewing started in high school where she developed her skills as a designer and seamstress. Cindy didn’t think a career in fashion was possible for her. Luckily she took the risk to study in the intensive Fashion Design and Technology degree program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. ANASTASIA 36 Over the past four years, Cindy honed her skills as a designer, seamstress, and entrepreneur. She is a creative problem solver who loves any challenges given to her. Her ability to balance her creativity with her entrepreneurial skills is shown in her collection, ANASTASIA. Cindy is an ambitious and determined person who is always challenging herself. She is not afraid of hard work. “Nothing is achieved without passion, hard work and dedication,” Cindy says. ANASTASIA THE ESSENCE OF EVERY PETITE WOMAN ANASTASIA is a lingerie line specializing in petite lingerie. The collection has cutting-edge designs, with a touch of seductive refinement for women who want to feel confident in what they wear underneath. Designer Cindy Luo developed this line when she noticed the petite market was overlooked by the lingerie industry. “It’s difficult for petite women to look for what they need because there are limited options out there for their petite frame. A wellfitting undergarment is key in any woman’s quest to feel sexy and confident,” Cindy says. The collection is designed with the petite woman in mind, making sure exact measurements are made to meet the consumer’s standards. Each lingerie piece is created to integrate easily with their everyday apparel, for special occasions and in the comfort of their own homes. The debut Spring 2015 collection, “A Glimmering Past” takes a trip down memory lane, bringing back memories and emotions. The past is approached in a modern twist with a diamond as the focal inspiration. Looks are sexy and sensual, but sophisticated and chic, reflecting a mix of styles. It is the season to revive rich history with translucent, soft and delicate materials. ANASTASIA captivates women to celebrate and embrace their beautiful petite body. Photographer: Desmond Mok Model: Samantha Lightfoot Make-up: Naureen Manzoor Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 37 KAYLYN MACKENZIE [email protected] 38 Throughout Kaylyn MacKenzie’s undergraduate degree at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, she has been motivated to change the way society perceives the disabled. This year being Kaylyn’s fourth and final year, she is designing an adaptive apparel collection for the wheelchair user. Knowledge of health and wellness, accompanied by the drive to help others, captured Kaylyn’s passion to produce functional clothing for health care. Working with people with injuries, as well as acute and chronic health conditions, Kaylyn has developed a true passion for breaking barriers that prevent people from participating in activities of daily living, through the application of professional and personal skills learned during her education. Kaylyn is a life-long independent learner, engaging in a diverse range of channels to expand understanding. Kaylyn hopes to advance herself by applying her skills in the fashion industry, working towards promoting functional clothing, and educating others on the potential in people who have a physical disability. YOU IT’S WHO YOU ARE Adaptive apparel has a stereotype of being out of fashion, Kaylyn MacKenzie, KPU fashion design student changes viewer’s perspective to show that disability has no limitations. Kaylyn MacKenzie, from Antigonish, Nova Scotia traveled a long way to get a head start in her fashion career at one of Canada’s leading fashion design institutions. Through Kaylyn’s experience working with disabilities – ranging from autism, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and bariatric persons – she noticed a gap in the apparel industry. “People need to realize that, for example, a wheelchair is only an extension of who that person is, it doesn’t make them who they are. Those without a disability need to look beyond what we like to think is a barrier because they live everyday the same as you and I,” says Kaylyn. Fashion is an extension of one’s personality. With so few options for clothing that is up-to-date, Kaylyn created a collection to serve a niche market for female wheelchair users. Vancouver is very accommodating to those that live with occupational barriers in life, yet the only clothing lines available to those with disabilities are ones aimed at the retired market. Photographer: Maria Koehn Model: Kirsten Sharp Hair: Jessica Langedyk Make-up: Kaitlynn Young Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 39 ELISA MEDINA [email protected] Elisa Medina’s creative pursuits began with a love for painting and drawing in picturesque Quito, Ecuador. Moving to Canada in 2008 allowed Medina to cultivate her technical skills in fashion design. The synergy of image making and conceptual planning made fashion an ideal medium. Medina’s work is therefore defined by a multicultural perspective and a sensibility for the narrative potential of fashion, with a belief that garments can be catalysts for human connection and development. The opportunity to study textile and print design at the University for the Creative Arts in England further expanded the possibilities to translate Medina’s visual arts background into fabric. As a designer, Medina’s values are aligned with the slow fashion movement in pursuit of ethical production methods and meaningful relationships between maker, garment, and wearer. 40 NOWHERE MENSWEAR CRAFTED WITH ARTISTRY AND MINDFULNESS In the increasingly fast pace of the fashion industry, a yearning for artisanal values and a reflective approach to the consumption of clothing inspired Elisa Medina’s collection, nowhere. Like the man who wears it, nowhere is defined by a sense of nonconformity and a desire for genuine experiences lived in and through clothes. The label purposes simultaneous awareness and escapism: the idea that the garments don’t exist in a particular place in time, being built for longevity and transcendence of seasonal trends, while recalling ‘the here and now’ in the tactile, visual, and conceptual dialogue with the wearer. The collection explores the memory of material through digital printing, felting, and fabric manipulations. Memory is then complemented by history. References to 1930’s workwear and bespoke tailoring bring natural, hardy materials and relaxed silhouettes. nowhere, invites the wearer to rediscover the beauty of overlooked surfaces as well as the historic influences woven into a contemporary man’s wardrobe. Photographer: Marshall Heritage Model: Jordan M Hair/Make-up: Aleksandra Likhtarova Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 41 JULIANNE MO [email protected] Julianne always thought she would one day become a chemist, physicist, or engineer. Numbers and logic made sense in her mind, yet there was always a part of her that desired crafting ideas into reality. By a stroke of fate, Julianne stumbled into a textiles class in high school. Receiving Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Leaders of Tomorrow, President’s Entrance Scholarship made the decision to pursue a creative profession that much easier. In spring 2013, Julianne had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Helsinki, Finland. This experience intensified the importance of learning outside the classroom. Interning at Arc’teryx Equipment Inc. further reinforced Julianne’s desire to create garments with a purpose. Conscious of the impact creativity can bring, Julianne is dedicated to fostering curiosity and creative thinking in youth. Julianne’s interest in youth development, combined with an eye-opening exchange semester, and an inspirational internship at Arc’teryx, set the foundation for her collection: SiiLi. 42 SIILI LET’S BE SIILI TOGETHER SiiLi me, SiiLi we. In a whimsical world where children’s imagination comes to life, this is where you find SiiLi. We are a budding apparel company nestled in Vancouver, BC, offering comfortably delightful outdoor play clothes for adventurous boys aged 4 to 8. A trend towards nature-oriented schooling has increased the number of young participants in outdoor activities. Known as forest kindergarten, the basic education of a child will take place in the wilderness. It is a movement that exercises a child’s creativity and furthers their understanding of the world. SiiLi is determined to create clothing that encourages exploration and curiosity. By combining technical functionality with spirited designs, we are reinvigorating the exploratory childhood. Waterproof materials and innovative safety features make outdoor play worry free. In Fall/Winter 2014, SiiLi goes on a magical journey into the wilderness. Monsters and wildlings galore! Ordinary clothes transform into creatures through fanciful fabrics and cheeky details. Let’s be SiiLi together. Photographer: Matthew Lee Model: Lynden Mercier Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 43 CAROLYN MOLZAHN [email protected] Carolyn has always been drawn to colour, pattern and texture. As a little girl she loved creating new outfit ensembles and despite attending a uniform school, she always found a way to set herself apart. During a high school trip to New York City, Carolyn was exposed to all the opportunities fashion had to offer, and felt inspired to pursue her education in the industry. essence 44 At Kwantlen, she developed her love for learning by fully immersing herself into school work, exploring all the different aspects of the industry, such as designing, textiles, production, business and marketing. Throughout her degree, Carolyn has become interested in the marketing side of the industry and playing with layouts and storyboard visuals to communicate to a specific audience. She enjoys combining her knowledge of both the business and creative side of fashion to create an overall cohesive product. Moving forward into a creative environment, it is important to have a positive attitude, and Carolyn is excited about her future and what lies ahead. ESSENCE ELEVATED SOPHISTICATED STYLE Flattering lines and fit for a women’s body allows comfort and ease that transition throughout the day. Sophistication and style is the focus of Carolyn Molzahn’s debut collection, essence. Catering to the confident, well-established creative professional, essence provides classic pieces with feminine, novelty details. Breaking free from the traditional work uniform, the Fall/Winter 2014 season includes splashes of colour while maintaining a professional image. Encouraging women to incorporate selfexpression into their wardrobe, the coordinated pieces allow mixing and matching to create diverse outfit combinations. The essence woman needs clothes that allow her to go from the office to meeting with clients, to exploring local art galleries in the evening, without having to pack a change of clothes. Dropped armholes, higher rises and adjustable waistlines are some of the modifications that have been made to better accommodate both the essence woman’s lifestyle as well as body. Clothing is designed to make women feel good on both the inside and outside and provide her with self-assurance in every situation she finds herself. Photographer: Ayesha Martin Creative Director: Maggie Finch Model: Justine Koole Hair/Make-up: Claire Robertson Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 45 CHANTEL MONGOVIUS [email protected] Born and raised in Vancouver, Chantel Mongovius has always appreciated the outdoors and what nature has to offer. Growing up spending summers at her family cottage in Point Roberts, Washington, she developed a passion for the ocean and beach. This has influenced her as a fashion designer today. With a family background of talented musicians on her dad’s side, Chantel has been influenced to try many different art forms: dance, theatre, fine arts and piano. These diverse outlets have allowed Chantel to gain a better understanding of what she enjoys in life. This has taught her not to be afraid to try new things. Having new projects always on the go, Chantel began experimenting with sewing and developed an interest in creating garments for herself, as well as altering clothes bought from second-hand stores. What began as a hobby developed into a greater interest, and led her to join the Fashion Design and Technology program at Kwantlen. Today as a fashion designer, Chantel has a vision to create clothing that makes women feel confident about their bodies as well as embrace their uniqueness. With a fondness and sense of nostalgia for the beach and ocean, Chantel developed a fascination for swimwear, which is what inspired her to design her collection of modest beachwear. 46 ADINA TRADITIONAL INTEGRITY FOR THE MODERN YOUNG WOMAN There is often a preconceived notion that dressing modestly means compromising one’s fashion sense for more coverage. Adina is a collection of beachwear that the designer, Chantel Mongovius, created in order to tap into an underserviced market and reinvent the way people perceive what conservative swimwear is. “Modesty doesn’t necessarily have to be a fashion compromise, and both can be balanced in a way that is stylish,” says Mongovius. “The market for swimwear is often looked at in a black and white way, such as having the option to either buy a string bikini or a mature one-piece. Adina is meant to cover the grey areas that exist in the industry; to make young women feel their best in a swimsuit that is suitable for various occasions.” Inspired by her love for the ocean and beach, Mongovius saw the need for beachwear that combined femininity, youthfulness and chicness all in one. Adina, inspired by a religious girl’s name meaning a gift from God, is created for young women who stay true to their beliefs, values and faith in the face of opposition. With the pressures that come from the mass media and modern society to look and act a certain way, many young women feel like they have lost their sense of self in the world. Focusing on young Christian women, Adina wants to reach out by giving women the opportunity to embrace who they really are. Adina believes women should have a balance between their inner and outer beauty. With adjustable features within the collection, Adina beachwear promotes versatility, allowing the wearer the freedom to decide what is appropriate for the occasion. To compliment each swimsuit, beach-appropriate cover-ups were designed with inspiration from current trends, creating a complete outfit. Adina is inspired by the classic elegance of silhouettes from the 1950s combined with modern unique prints, colors and feminine details. Each swimsuit is made with balance in mind, merging classic with modern styles while maintaining the brand essence of modesty. Photographer: Ronald lee Model: Ashleigh Davidson Hair/Make-up: Shelley Leeder Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 47 SHELAYNE MULHOLLAND www.shelaynedesigns.ca [email protected] Shelayne Mulholland is a Vancouver-based fashion designer specializing in surface design and textile science. Fabric and the way it drapes, enhancing the figure, is a huge source of inspiration for Shelayne in the design process. Shelayne has studied at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, as well as at an international exchange at the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland. Since kindergarten, Shelayne has been creating, sewing, designing, painting and making art. Shelayne discovered her love of textile dyeing while working as a production lead for the company Osei Duro in Accra Ghana. In tropical Cape Coast, Shelayne was taught batik style African printing by some very talented Ghanaian fabric artists. This experience inspired the hand-dyed low-impact dye application in her graduation collection Niina Artwear. Shelayne’s love of fashion and the process of making beautiful garments has grown over her past four years of education at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Shelayne hopes to pursue a creative career in the international fashion industry wherever it may lead her. 48 NIINA ARTWEAR AN EARTH CONSCIOUS COLLECTION INSPIRED BY A NATURAL WONDER There was stunning array of colour and light that spread across the northern sky. “Witnessing Aurora Borealis gave me this feeling of connection to the Earth and a new perspective on the natural beauty we so often discount,” explained designer Shelayne Mulholland on the conception of the Fall/Winter 2015 Niina Artwear collection. Niina Artwear is a locally-based fashion company that caters to a mature market of sophisticated women in Vancouver. Niina Artwear features exquisitely draped garments that are designed to serve the unmet curvaceous female market. Niina Artwear is designed for real women who are actively involved in their community, are committed to supporting local artisans and wear clothes that coincide with their strong values. Garments are hand-made in Vancouver, using only sustainable fabrics coming from renewable resources. Hand-dyed and painting techniques using low-impact dyes make this eco collection exquisite and desirable to wear at work, to presentations, charity functions and social gatherings. During her trip through Europe and West Africa, Shelayne gained a deeper understanding of the issues of pollution and unfair labour in the fashion industry. The value of sustainability, of fair trade and community connection, form the foundation of Niina Artwear. Niina Artwear is locally created, handcrafted clothing for the sophisticated humanist. Photographer: Jun Ying Model: Janice Froese Hair & Make-up: Victoria Wan Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 49 NATASA NIKOLOV www.natasanikolov.com [email protected] Natasa Nikolov grew up in a small town in Eastern Serbia. Her love for fashion was realized at an early age, mainly influenced by her grandma who is still a working professional in the fashion industry in Paris, France. After high school, Natasa visited Paris, the city of lights for the first time. Inspired, she decided to peruse her dream career in fashion, studying at Mod’Art, French International Institute of Arts. Two years later, Natasa’s family immigrated to Canada.In pursuit for balance in her personal and professional life, Natasa packed her belongings, skills, and portfolio, and joined her family in Vancouver, Canada. Here, she was able to transfer and continue studying at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology, where she advanced her technical skills, took on an amazing internship opportunity, and won a “KenDor Textile” scholarship award. Natasa’s graduation collection “Folkloric Memoirs” is inspired by a revival of traditional craft in a modern way. Folkloric symbols that Natasa brings to the contemporary fashion age are modernised through technological surface design and clean finishes. Essential minimalism is made ornate with deeper and richer colour tones and contrasting trims. Tradition and newness play an equally important role within pieces designed to suit any place and occasion. Natasa’s design concept is formulated and presented through the company profile named Orro. 50 ORRO ELEVATING AN ETHICAL PRODUCT THROUGH USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND DOMESTIC PRODUCTION. “My goal is to employ a novel approach for the utilization of available resources in order to enhance the local fashion industry and benefit our community,” says Natasa. After media showcased that fast fashion caused disasters in overseas production plants, slow fashion and the purchase of local product became the new consumer choice. The main focus for buying local product is to keep the money in the local economy and have local communities benefit from consumerism. In order to serve this emerging group of consumers, local designers are presenting fashion lines designed and produced in Vancouver. However, it is noticeable that the construction, fabric, colour, or function quality of these products is compromised. Orro has found a way to launch quality products unlimited in aesthetics by collaborating with local companies which help escalate textile design and garment quality. By distributing the budget to a larger number of smaller companies, Orro gets access to a wider range of technology and machinery used to create the product, and in this way contributes to communities by increasing the number of business-to-business collaborations. Orro creates easy to wear yet sophisticated, well-constructed pieces that feature modern lines and refined textiles. This versatile collection is designed to unite style and comfort for the urban lifestyle. Orro uses a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics that balance the efficiency between production process and garment performance. Orro’s pre-designed fabrics are conducive to ease of movement and comfort, and are well constructed in figure-flattering semi-fitted pieces. Visual appearance is inspired by the cultural diversity of Vancouver and symbolizes customers’ passion for contributing to local community. Besides ethical domestic production and aesthetical values, function driven details, contribute to a wardrobe that enhances customers’ lifestyle choices. Photography: Jean Cueta Photography Make-up: Melissa James Hair: Aileen Twa Models: Claire Cormeau, Lindsay Hudyma, Natalie Lunter Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 51 LAUREN PARISOTTO [email protected] Lauren Parisotto was born in White Rock, British Columbia, where she grew up with her parents and sister. Raised in a family that valued travel, she has been passionate about taking any opportunity to explore, developing a particular interest in Europe. During a semester abroad, she studied at The University for Creative Arts in London and interned with Michael Van Der Ham. Her travel adventures and work experience resulted in a strong connection to the aesthetic of European art and culture. Upon returning from England, Lauren interned at Fidelity Denim, where she developed skills in marketing and branding. Lauren fell in love with fashion the moment she discovered how the right outfit can make a woman feel empowered and confident. Due to her experience working as a sales associate in a high end boutique, Lauren appreciates luxurious fabrics well-manufactured garments with a perfected fit. With Palm Springs as a second home, Lauren’s family has made many friends who exposed her to the leisurely lifestyle of the community. An interest in vacation wear formed as she embraced the atmosphere of a luxury resort. Her final collection, Parisotto, combines her desire to cater to confident sophisticated women with her love for swimwear. 52 PARISOTTO MODERN VACATION ENSEMBLES CELEBRATING CONFIDENT WOMEN Parisotto is a contemporary bikini and cover-up collection focused on celebrating the accomplishments of women, and the self-assurance that is achieved through a lifestyle emphasizing health and personal growth. Parisotto delivers styles that promote the physique of a woman invested in revival, with runway design detailing and high quality fabrics to provide the client with a luxurious, sexy ensemble for vacationing. A lifetime of saving and hard work has given these women the luxury of early retirement, and therefore they maintain an active, enjoyable lifestyle. By dedicating their discretionary time and income into doing more for themselves, these women feel accomplished and fulfilled, resulting in a sense of confidence in their body. With a contemporary direction, the clean styling aesthetic of parisotto is both modern and sophisticated creating uniqueness through a trend-driven approach. In addition to providing an essential line of bikinis that provides the client with the fit and support she desires, parisotto delivers luxurious cover-up styles that include plunging necklines or cut out details showcase the bikinis. By displaying this elegance and luxury in both pieces, parisotto completes the client’s holiday wardrobe. Parisotto celebrates a woman’s body by adding additional support in the bikinis, however designing the garment in a way that does not market to this confident woman as though she needs coverage. Photographer: Sebastian Syrota Model: Nikita Thakrar Hair/Make-up: Maria Hernandez Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 53 NICOLE PICCO www.nicolepicco.com [email protected] A proud resident of Port Coquitlam and very involved in the Vancouver fashion scene, Picco began experimenting with designing garments at the age of fifteen. She eagerly jumped into post-secondary at Kwantlen so that she could continue to challenge her creativity and discover educational opportunities for self-exploration. To fulfil the requirements of a first year course component, she volunteered her time as an intern and social media coordinator for a local non-profit, Portobello West Market, which later led to an early profession in management and event planning for the organization. It is here where she established herself in Vancouver’s close-knit design community by helping to provide independent artisans and designers with an outlet to showcase and sell their work. The opportunity to collaborate with others so dedicated to their craft further inspired her to link to a viable career in design. Picco was the recipient of the Dr. Carol Prantner and David Hollands Technical Fabric Award for her passion for working with technical fabrics, specifically in endurance sports application. She enjoys the complexities of pattern drafting and experimenting with innovative textile-related technologies, discovered during her four month intensive internship with Mustang Survival. Designing as much for performance and fit as she does style, Nicole Picco’s personal aesthetic is encompassed through her activewear brand, Pulse: a line of functional trend-driven activewear that embraces your shape. 54 PULSE ACTIVEWEAR THAT EMBRACES YOUR SHAPE Nicole Picco’s collection, Pulse, acknowledges the lifestyle apparel needs of curvy women. By providing them with a collection of functional, trend-driven activewear, she fills a void in the growing plus-size apparel industry. Pulse’s inspiration, the active girl with curves, rejects the notion of having to dress for your body type: she’s energetic, independent, motivated and embraces her shape. “I know our customer, she exercises on a regular basis, not for weight loss, but for feeling strong and confident in her body,” Picco shares. “As I researched, it was easy to see that these fashionloving, health-conscious curvy girls needed some practical statement pieces for a full on sweat.” Pulse’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection channels the desert oasis of 1960s Palm Springs. The contrast of desert florals and mid-century modern architecture combine for bright, happy-go-lucky hues and bold prints. With a focus on fit, comfort and quality construction methods, all garments from sports bras to outerwear are designed with the purpose to perform. Photographer: Angela Fama Model: Chelsey Hibbs Hair/Make-up: Marie Pearce Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 55 KATIE ROYCE katie-royce.4ormat.com [email protected] Katie Royce was born and raised in the Thompson Interior of Kamloops, BC, where she grew up with a strong appreciation for the outdoors. At a young age Katie knew she had artistic abilities as she was always sketching and painting. It wasn’t until high school when she found a new appreciation for clothing and fabric. After high school, Katie took some time off to see the world, which gave her the perspective she needed. This led her to Vancouver to take the Fashion Design and Technology Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Her internship at Mountain Equipment Co-Op as a design assistant really opened her eyes to the Vancouver fashion industry, and all of the opportunities it has to offer. It was here where Katie also reconnected with her interest in outerwear and its functional detailing. From here Katie was able to meld her creativity and outdoor inspiration into her line, sparks&lilies. 56 SPARKS&LILLIES THE INSPIRING, WONDER-FILLED OUTDOORS Vancouver is a hub for outdoor apparel with abundant variety, but what about the kids? Katie Royce, an emerging designer, felt that there was a gap in the children’s wear market for outerwear that was infused with artful, fun detailing, but was also functional. For her final semester at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Royce has merged both functional and artful details into sparks&lilies, a line for girls’ four to eight years old. sparks&lilies is a line that offers the best in artful outerwear for girls who are inspired by the wonder-filled outdoors. It offers all of the essentials of active outerwear, from base layers and mid layers to waterproof outer layers. With the use of quality fabrics and recycled materials, infused with artful details, sparks&lilies has an edge that makes them unique. sparks&lilies also strongly encourages customers to pass down their clothes so they can take on new adventures. Always inspired by the outdoors, the Spring/Summer 2015 season is paying homage to the clouds. Gazing up at the ever-changing forms in the sky sparks imagination and wonder, driving us to create. Photographer: Brett Reid Photography Model: Lyla Pollard Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 57 SEANNA SCHMULAND [email protected] Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Seanna Schmuland recognizes that this is the basis for her strong prairie work ethic, determination and love of cold weather. It was during her first few years of university in Manitoba that she realized the patterns she saw through her microscope were calling her towards a more artistic future with the skills she already possessed as a life-long sewer. Seanna then headed off to BC and remains confident that it was the right decision. Through the many discoveries in her journey, the production of clothing began to have as much importance in her philosophy of fashion as the design itself. Seanna has gained experience in product development through her internship at SUGOI Performance Apparel, as well as fabric and fit knowledge through years working in fabric sales and professional tailoring and fitting. Wherever Seanna calls home, the changing constants of nature, travel, social diversity, ethics and art influence her inspiration. Seanna looks at her work through a balanced approach of organization with creativity and humour. 58 STRONG&FREE OUTERWEAR FOR POST-MODERN CANADIANS INVESTING IN LOCAL THROUGH ARTS AND HERITAGE Connecting the diverse artistic creativity she’s found across Canada, with the practical necessity of protection from a harsh climate, Kwantlen Fashion Design student Seanna Schmuland has channeled these facets into a collection of proudly Canadian outerwear for men and women called Strong&Free. It started with a coincidental connection between two magazines. “I found an amazing wool coat in Vogue with the caption beneath it reading ‘Your real go-to accessory is a coat- one so showstopping that it becomes a personal statement,’” Seanna tells us. “The next magazine had an article on an artist capturing history from my home province. It brought tears to my eyes. I realized, Canadians invest and come together over these two ideas, and my idea was born.” The more she researched, the more convinced she was this idea could have a home in the fashion market. Strong&Free customers are the supporters of arts and cultural events in communities across Canada. Whether they are attending a winter festival, a local musical performance or gallery event, they look for pieces that are practical yet creative, and will perform for them to the extent that is needed for an all-day outdoor event, but keep with their creative street-wear esthetic. The outerwear pieces incorporate various insulation levels of wool fill from Canadian sheep, supporting homegrown agriculture, with exteriors of wool blend that is water and stain resistant treated, and decorated with prints inspired from Canadian artists. They are appropriately styled for each gender along the fine line of refined street wear incorporating some sport features. The Fall Winter 2014 collection includes prints used with permission from artists Kathleen Wheeler of Edmonton, AB and Patrick Mahon of London, ON. Wheeler’s work focuses on human infringement on natural habitats and the disconnect between man and nature. Mahon’s series is part of the Art and Cold Cash Collective, representing the linkage between caribou and seal artifacts amongst mechanical waste in Nunavut. Photographer: Bryan Schmuland Models: Jolie Joberg and Ryan Murphy Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 59 MELISSA SIMPSON [email protected] Melissa’s parents always knew that she would go into a creative career after she decorated the walls with her drawings. It came as no surprise to them when her interest in fashion design sparked at a young age. Melissa kept developing a wide range of creative skills with music, fine arts, photography courses, theatre production costumes, and textile & sewing classes in high school before narrowing it in University at Kwantlen. In her third year at KPU Melissa went on an exchange semester to Helsinki, Finland. It is here that she was able to cross numerous things off her bucket list. She was able to add 16 new places to her list of “Cities I’ve Seen”. In between falling in love with Italian pizza and cappuccinos, she also fell in love with the European style; mixing the old with the new and the practical pieces with the extravagant ones. .perspective. 60 Her design aesthetic of mixing functionality with durability, while still producing pieces of classic style, was important to her as she entered her final year at KPU and began constructing her thesis collection for the tall (5’9-6’5) female professional. .PERSPECTIVE. BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES STYLE, ADVENTURE AND A NEW .PERSPECTIVE. “You’re so tall. You must look amazing in everything you try on?” Is a common stereotypical questions asked to women who are 5’9 and over in height. However that is definitely not the case. Ignited from a few conversations with friends and her sister, Melissa noticed that tall women were being underserviced in today’s Vancouver fashion market. “I found that there was very little for tall females in Vancouver. In order to purchase garments that properly fit their height and limbs, these women have to order online, where they are not able to try the pieces on immediately and are spending almost double what they would have to in stores,” says designer Melissa Simpson, “I wanted to simplify their shopping experience and create a coordinated collection to minimize the endless searching and outrageous prices that is currently required to build a wardrobe.” .perspective. is passionate about serving the tall woman to allow her to break out of the image society puts on her. Melissa has created functional pieces that embody the correct proportions, blending style and versatility into every piece. The collection is made up of professional attire and overstated pieces that can be worn both at the office and out in the city. “The Autumn/Winter 2014 season Urban Horizon was inspired by the world around us. From the city skyline to brick walls, the outdoors, down to the way rain falls, are all the inspirations for the details that unite the adventurous side of life into the routine of everyday. Integrating .perspective.’s key values into the colour palette, fabric choices and design lines, this season combines the quality of correct fit with current style to create products that adapt to all aspects of a fall day,” illustrates Melissa Simpson on her thesis collection that will walk down the runway at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Fashion Design and Technology program’s annual fashion show. Photographer: Ayesha Martin Creative Director: Maggie Finch Model: Justine Koole Makeup: Claire Robertson Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 61 JEASSEA THYIDOR www.shiftmanifest.com [email protected] Jeassea K Thyidor has had some amazing life experiences filled with passion, self-discovery, healing and growth. Born and raised in Richmond B.C. she is a mix of Filipino and French Canadian. Jeassea’s first love was the theatre, although she has had many artistic hobbies; one of them launching her love for fashion was sketching clothing. But first, she sang with several bands and worked around Canada until landing an opportunity to work the hotel circuit in Asia. Jeassea grew fond of Singapore, where she came back to stay. She participated in the first ‘Singapore Idol’ and made the final ten. This catapulted her to fame in 2003 and established a great multi-faceted career filled with singing, hosting, acting, modeling and judging. After seven years in Singapore, Jeassea traveled to South America to re-evaluate her life and direction, and finally returned home to Canada with a new set of goals. Jeassea dove into fashion at Kwantlen Polytechnic University while singing on the side. This opened her mind to new perspectives and a new set of skills. In addition to singing, she will pursue creating her niche “Shift Manifest” loungewear for highvibration living. 62 SHIFT MANIFEST TO HEAL FOR GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND INNER PEACE Manifest a shift in consciousness with Shift Manifest – loungewear, Spring/Summer 2014. Inspired by the origins of Meditation in Asia, silhouettes allow for maximum energy flow. The elements of design range from a hooded scarf, cowls, multiple ties on pant, kimono sleeves and over the shoulder knit dress. The Chakras, which are energy centers in the body, are hand painted on each garment to give our bodies balance for high vibration living! Say it in the name! Each piece has a corresponding colour to a Chakra, which is related through the style name such as: open heart, instinct, crown chakra, power channel and third eye. Colour is vibrant vibration! This earth conscious collection says it all with natural fabrics, all individually hand dyed with natural dyes: Indigo, Cochineal, Cutch, Osage, Madder and organic patterns are created in the fabric by using a bound resist method. Ground yourself with Shift Manifest for new age events, meditation, at home, casual lunches and even for small errands! Photographer: Matthew Chen Model: Aly C. Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 63 COURTNEY TIBERT [email protected] Courtney grew up in Nova Scotia surrounded by women: strong women, quiet women, boisterous women, interesting women. An avid reader and enthusiastic storyteller herself, she would spin tales about heroines, princesses and dragon slayers. Of course, after their adventure they would go back to their day job of being a veterinarian. As there is nothing more rewarding for a child than being surrounded by a plethora of puppies. Coming home from a career day in elementary school she asked her mother, “What will I be when I grow up?” “Anything,” was the answer, “anything you can imagine.” On Monday she wanted to be a firefighter, Tuesday a sky pirate. Finally after much contemplation she decided on a tree. Of course you can be a tree, but what would a tree wear? There were no clothes for trees, what if they were invited to a fancy dress party? So she started to draw: party dresses for a tree, a business suit for a tree, a pirate outfit for a tree. As Courtney got older that same spirit of escapism stayed with her. She wanted to show the diversity and strength of women through whatever form she could. This drive led her to study the fine arts. She learned painting, video editing, photography and creative writing. After 3 years of designing clothes to photograph for photography class, she realized the greatest art you can create is something you take with you. 64 SKYWARD PIG ESCAPISM REFINED Skyward Pig clothing is a solution to the statement, “Dress not for the job you have, but the job you want.” This season we celebrate the Zombie Hunters among us; those willing to fight for the fate of humanity and bring a startling end to the infection. “Buildings are crashing, society is falling apart, and people are attacking Supermarkets like it’s Black Friday and canned goods are the new white I-Phones. It’s Chaos and you don’t remember little Susie next door having an appetite for raw meat...but don’t fret, we have been preparing for the moment. 1.5 Million Zombie Survival guides sold, 500 thousand Simulator Downloads, One will to Survive” Our company Skyward Pig is inspired by heroines throughout different genres and forms of media; we strive to embody their spirit and energy into our clothing. From Sigourney Weaver, who knocked down the stereotypes placed on women in Sci-Fi in 1979, to the young witch Hermione Granger, who proved strength is more than physical prowess, our zombie hunter grew up watching these women — women who were not over shadowed by their love interest; women who overcame adversity and terrible odds. As our girl ages a lot of things change, but those moments under a blanket tent, watching a horror movie you were too young to see, those stay with her. Factious yet functional, our clothing incorporates safety features such as bite guards and element protection, while maintaining full mobility and comfort. We have accomplished this by seamlessly integrating the sleekness of leather with practical bamboo, allowing our girl to move freely from the family room to the battle field, a Vanguard in every aspect of her life. “Fairytales don’t tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairytales tell children that dragons can be killed.” — G.K. Chesterton Photographer: Alex Weatherston Model/Make-up: Jenna Oliver Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 65 MELISSA TSUI [email protected] Melissa Tsui’s love of travel and beauty has led her on a long and varied educational journey. It started with archaeology and has manifested itself into a pursuit of design. Her appreciation for good design in any discipline is what drives her to create. The philosophy that functionality doesn’t have to compromise aesthetics is one that she lives by. This fervent belief is what led her to win 3rd place at the 2013 Canada’s Breakthrough Designer competition held by Telio in Montreal. Melissa’s designs strive to redefine the traditional concepts of “the norm” and improve the life of the customer both aesthetically and functionally. From this the Part & Parcel collection was born. Inspired by personal travel experiences and developed through research and innovation, Part & Parcel provides clever and provocative product solutions that alleviate the rigours of travel for the forward-thinking and stylish female traveller. Looking forward, Melissa is excited to continue her career in the fashion industry and to one day take her line to market. 66 PART & PARCEL Prepare for take-off with the launch of Part & Parcel fall/winter 2014. Born out of a love for travel and design, this contemporary product line is the go-to brand for the forward-thinking, stylish urban women traveller. The philosophy behind Part & Parcel is to create innovative and provocative design solutions providing comfort, convenience and style while travelling. Inspired by smart and imaginative innovations in modern design, Part & Parcel products redefine the conventional notion of the travel accessory by seamlessly combining them into transformative outerwear. Fall/winter 2014 was largely inspired by the cocoon – rounded shapes, and the concept of metamorphic products in the design industry. Soft, welcoming fabrics in neutral colours evoke the comfort and protection of a cocoon, while rounded design details give a clean yet voluminous aesthetic providing the wearer a sense of easy adaptability into any surroundings. Removable and inflatable design features cater to our customer’s love of unique and clever products which offer stylish comfort and convenience during her travels. Photographer: Matthew Chen Model: Aly C. Hair/Make-up: Venus Lai Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 67 AILEEN TWA [email protected] Aileen chose fashion design as a practical approach to pursuing a career in fine arts. She moved to BC for her schooling from her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, giving her the privilege of surrounding herself with the stimulating beauty of this province. Since the age of four, Aileen has had a keen eye for design and creative problem solving. With a love for the outdoors and God’s brilliant creation, nature has deeply influenced her approach to design. Her extensive experience working in various costume and wardrobe shops has instilled in her an appreciation for the traditional and careful art of creating clothes. atelier / est. 2013 Aileen delights in simplicity and is infatuated with the slow lifestyle movement. Her work speaks strongly to her love for rich, natural textiles and the attention to detail seen in her handcrafted surface design. Aileen strives to create garments that are infused with her personal belief that clothing should be carefully selected, kept, and appreciated. She strives to design clothing that is timeless; made with care and consideration that will enhance the wearer’s experience. In the fall of 2013, Aileen was thrilled to receive the John Fluvog “Unique Soles” award for her collection. 68 RELIC ATELIER PRESERVING THE [ART – OF – DRESSING – UP] Aileen Twa created RELIC as a collection that changes the way we buy clothing for formal events and to counteract the impact of the fast fashion industry, which encourages disposable, one-time use clothing and overconsumption. Her graduation collection, RELIC Atelier, is based on the principles of the slow lifestyle movement. It values buying better, buying less, and supporting local, ethical, community businesses. RELIC brings you the art of dressing up. Providing quality, formal occasion apparel to women who live thoughtfully and clothe themselves consciously, the garments are designed with a fresh, modern approach to traditional construction techniques. These clothes are reminiscent of classic garmentry that past generations have known, loved and cherished. Slow fashion is about a garment fulfilling its purpose of being needed and used repeatedly. By consciously choosing to buy high-quality garments that are locally made, the wearer can know the story behind where her clothes come from, while also considering the longevity of the garment. “Slow fashion eliminates impulse buying, allowing you step away for a moment or two to thoroughly think through a purchase, to ultimately buy something you love.” says Aileen. These garments are intended for you to keep and pass on as future heirlooms. The garments have been made with mostly natural, biodegradable fibres in an effort to consider the garments entire lifecycle. For a formal event such as a wedding, Aileen seeks to provide women with formal attire that is glamorous and functional. By using natural fabrics, which are soft, warm, and comfortable, the clothes act as a second skin; an extension of the wearer. “I have always been stimulated by the rich, saturated colours and tactile textures in nature.” says Aileen. “It only felt right to use botanical elements as inspiration for RELIC”. The line is inspired by human experiences, both past and present, as well the idea that clothing can be a medium used to express one’s emotions, thoughts and ideals. What we wear everyday is an expression of our unique personalities and contributes to the stories of our lives; qualities we like to accentuate at formal events. RELIC believes everyone has a unique story to tell and our collections seek to provide pieces that help tell those stories. We strive to highlight the importance of well-crafted garmentry and the art of dressing up. Photographer: Ronan Reinart Model: Alex Duncan Hair/Make-up: Lindsay Gibson Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 69 LINDIE VAN VUUREN [email protected] V V VAN VUUREN 70 Having spent the first half of her childhood growing up in South Africa, Lindie developed an alternate perspective of the world. Having had the opportunity to grow up in another country gave her the advantage of learning two languages, English and Afrikaans. Moving to Canada forced Lindie to strengthen her ability to adapt and learn quickly. Extensive experience participating in modelling pageants and dance competitions in her early childhood gave her confidence when surrounded by others, building to her social skills towards details and diversity. Her mother was a huge influence, having made and designed all of Lindie’s costumes for her modelling pageants. Upon finishing High School, Lindie decided to attend Kwantlen Polytechnic University to get her Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology degree. In the last couple of years, Lindie has had the opportunity to work in the costume design department on film productions. She has made custom clothing for customers, drafting and sewing to their exact measurements. Lindie finished the garments by painting and printing on them in order to create a new story to every garment. These are just a few of the fashion forward steps Lindie has been making to innovate today’s apparel industry. Through immense support from her family and friends, Lindie has been able to push her skills to new levels, seeing the reality of her dreams coming true. Her plan is to eventually be able to create clothing that will allow every person to expose their inner self, letting them fully express who they are. VAN VUUREN HIGH-END CULTURAL FASHION FOR THE GRANDEUR MAN. Van Vuuren focuses on giving detail-oriented gentlemen eclectic, unexpected details that reveal a story through aesthetics. Details are focused on revealing subtle secrets, intriguing one to get a closer look. Each season revolves around cultural stories that showcase our passion for creating garments that feature luxurious fabrics, modern fits, and high-end service. The Fall/Winter 2014 Chapter, “Ek Se!”, meaning “I Say!” in Afrikaans is inspired by the famous and beautiful “Unnamed Brown” diamond discovered in South Africa, resulting in a fire rose cushion cut, named the Golden Jubilee. Showcasing patterns, graphics, and design lines offer a gem of a story for every outfit. Details are centralized around this geometric shape, which are brought to life in novel ways. Van Vuuren fashion offers men the opportunity to educate and create awe in others. This theme also allows Van Vuuren to give back to the South-African community by contributing to their children’s education, striving towards their best future. Lindie Van Vuuren, the founder of Van Vuuren, discovered the high-end culturally-influenced market, noticing that male fashion was heavily limited in this new age market, where men wished to have more options towards comfort and creativity. This charitable, eclectic, noble, worldlywise, storytelling man has proven to be an inspiration for Lindie in creating garments that perfectly suit his busy, qualitative, professional, and fashionable lifestyle. Photographer: Brandon Hart Model: Andy Hodgson Hair/Make-up: Tori Binns Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 71 JENNY VASILOPOULOS [email protected] Jenny Vasilopoulos came to realize that like most in the industry, fashion chose her. It was throughout her teen years that her dreams of being a fashion designer developed into a desire to explore the industry to broader depths. In 2013, Jenny found herself travelling abroad to Melbourne, Australia, where she studied merchandising and global marketing. This allowed her to develop a holistic perspective of the industry and furthered her interest in marketing. At the same time, Jenny’s training in dance brought awareness to the elegance of movement the female form can create, and the mental and physical relationships it manifests through clothing. Utilizing this knowledge and encompassing her eye for delicate fabrics and feminine silhouettes, Jenny created her collection, Untold. 72 UNTOLD LUXURIOUSLY SMART LINGERIE… By bridging the gap between sensual style and functional comfort, Untold offers every woman the chance to feel confident in her underwear. Introducing technological advancements into luxurious fabrics, Untold provides women with heat-regulating comfort while protecting them with an antimicrobial coating. Together, these coatings keep the wearer feeling confident. Untold is inspired by the shadows of dawn for Spring/Summer 2015. The collection features soft layers of textures and fabrics, in an ethereal combination of light and dark. By creating detailed garments that express comfort and beauty, Untold provides the modern woman with a new outlet of selfexpression. With this, women shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Photographer: Sebastian Syrota Model: Therese MacCallum Hair/Make-up: Maria Hernandez Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 73 JENNIFER WILLIAMS [email protected] Jennifer Williams is quick to testify that resourcefulness may be the most invaluable quality humanity possesses, being both primal and progressive. Williams believes that working towards a smarter future depends on our ability to sustain ourselves as individuals, and collectively as a community, while existing harmoniously with our environment. With a world of pre-existing materials available to us, we can begin to weave the tapestry of our future from the stories of our past and the wisdom of our present. Her infatuation with the finer things in life leads her on an endless search for beauty, and when scarce, she is perpetually motivated to create beauty through artisanal craft methods and attention to fine detail. As a progressively-minded traditionalist, Williams explores textile recycling as well as localization of the apparel industry in Vancouver, from design process and material sourcing to job creation and community collaboration. She currently works as lead designer and seamstress at Mintage Clothing Co. (1714 Commercial Drive), constructing new styles each season from reclaimed garments, and wishes to continue making progress within the sustainable garment industry. 74 GĔMME RESOURCEFULNESS IN A SPECTRUM OF POSSIBILITY Jennifer Williams is set to launch her thesis collection on April 24th as a part of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s annual grad show. Her debut collection Gĕmme focuses on creating nostalgic beauty through simplicity – thoughtfully and sustainably. Informing and inspiring creative progressives in the ‘slow-living’ movement, Gĕmme tells stories of history through quality and hand-crafted luxury. “As precious gems are processed from the richness of our earth, Gĕmme does the same, processing pre-existing and sustainable materials to create extraordinary treasures.” Gĕmme prides itself on the passion it harnesses regarding sustainability, specifically in the fashion industry, stemming from the need to adopt a more sustainable way of living. Gĕmme has developed a transparent business model based on their localized supply chain that attempts to source and produce every collection using our city’s own means. Gĕmme is a collector; using the materials available to create something thoughtful and beautifully crafted. It is also a support system, understanding and stimulating the local economy by supplying jobs to skilled artisans and other local talent. Their goal is to nurture a community within a community. Photographer: Jennifer Williams Model: Sky Dawn Hair/Make-up: Jennifer Williams Jewelry Provided by Army of Rokosz Jewelry Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 75 NATALIE WU www.quirkyfille.com [email protected] qui r k y f i l le 76 “Nothing is impossible, the word it self says, “I’m possible!” – Audrey Hepburn Natalie Wu was born and raised in British Columbia and is bilingual in English and French. Growing up, Wu developed a strong curiosity of the world around her, especially with fashion design. At a young age, she would flip garments inside out while shopping with her mom in order to understand how clothes were made. The challenge of figuring out the construction of garments ultimately drove Wu to pursue a career in design. Since entering the Fashion Design and Technology program at KPU, Wu has been able to develop her skills in combination with her personal quirky and mindful design aesthetic into a marketable fourth year brand collection. Wu draws inspirations from her past travels, mentors and work experiences. Wu has gained work experience at companies such as Plenty, Quantum Apparel and Kensie. Upon graduation, Wu will continue to build on her skills in the industry at her position as a Design Assistant at Kensie. QUIRKY FILLE C’EST LA VIE QUIRKY! quirky fille is a casual wear line for tweens girls between the ages of 8 to 12 years old who want to express their personal individualities through clothing. She is a smart, social media savvy, and confident tween girl who is underestimated because her age. She believes that just like teens, she deserves a wide variety of clothing styles. She is a tween that has a hard time finding clothing in the tween market place because styles are either too lounge/active, juvenile or sparkly. quirky fille is dedicated to empower the self-esteem of girls through their mindful fit, silhouette and styles. “I was inspired by my own personal experience as a tween and the frustration of never finding clothing that fit my body type,” says quirky fille founder and designer, Natalie Wu. “Often times girls are constantly blaming their own bodies for not fitting into clothes, when the reality is that there is a lack of product mix available for the tween age group,” Wu adds. quirky fille Autumn/Winter 2014 is inspired by the hints of vintage elements within popular social media photography apps and European street style. This debut collection features a clever original repeat print, sleek contrast trims, and peekaboo styling. Photographer: Taya Photography Model: Olivia Mey & Cailin Costa Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 77 BETTY ZHAO www.BettyZhao.com [email protected] With a father in textile engineering, and a mother in fashion marketing, Betty grew up with a diverse knowledge of fashion. She is a girl who grew up taking apart bobbin cases for fun, collecting presser feet as a hobby and observed her father intently for hours in the garage, while he repaired sewing machines. Immigrating to Canada, her family owned a business servicing industrial and home sewing machines, allowing her to acquire a broad knowledge in the technical aspects of apparel manufacturing. Betty strived to achieve recognition in the field of fashion, earning three Regional Gold medals and one Provincial Silver medal in the Skills Canada Competition for Fashion Design. She completed her internship with Sugoi Performance Apparel in Quality Control, and worked as a Technical Designer for Karma Wear. Her passion for sewing extends beyond garment-making to quilting, embroidering, digitizing and crocheting. In a recent traumatic car accident, she rediscovered tenacity and positivity on her road to recovery. During her recovery, she longed for a holistic approach to improve her health, and merged her technical knowledge in fashion design with a desire to create a collection actively enhancing one’s wellbeing. 78 CHI ENHANCING YOUR WELLBEING AND PROVIDING YOU WITH RELIEF... CHI provides work friendly attire for women seeking a holistic approach to managing their chronic muscle aches as a result of prolonged computer usage or other injuries. The collection can easily be worn from the street to the office, providing women a convenient way of dressing that accommodates their balancing of work and pain management. “After my car accident, I realized how easy it is to aggravate your muscles,” admits Betty, “creams and heat patches irritated my skin, wearing a heating pad or microwave bag just wasn’t appropriate in the office, not to mention they either fell off or restricted me to the length of the cord; it was just a nightmare.” The Spring 2015 collection of CHI showcases strategically placed pocket inserts for heat packs that can discreetly deliver 8+ hours of heat targeting muscle areas that are prone to soreness. The garments are constructed from technological fabrics with stretch to accommodate movements and deliver comfort. “We are now constantly doing stretches and mild exercises in between our breaks at work to benefit our health, and we need garments that can accommodate such range of movements without compromising our professional appearance,” Betty explains. Fabric specification includes Energear™, an infrared reflecting fabric that promotes blood circulation and decreases heart rate. Compression fabrics are also used in key areas to prevent muscle fatigue and promote muscle recovery. Other stretch fabrics used are antibacterial with UVA and UVB protective capabilities for added wellness enhancing benefits. Photographer: Matthew Burditt Model: Jennifer D. Lee Hair/Make-up: Ann Lin Visit THE SHOW 2014 for updates! Go back to class 2014 79