For immediate release
December 8, 2010
Kwantlen fashion design alumni to showcase unique collections at “One of a Kind Show”
(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion design alumni Misty Greer, Allison Smith and Maryanne Mathias will be showcasing their uniquely designed apparel collections at the One of a Kind Show, a craft show featuring creations from the local artists, craftspeople and designers. The craft show will take place from December 9-12 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver.
Upon recommending Greer, Smith and Mathias for the craft show, Kwantlen fashion design faculty Shirley Calla lauds the creativity and diversity of the alumni’s creations, “What’s so interesting about this year’s collections is how incredibly diverse they are—each with a unique look and design philosophy.”
Previously named as one of Canada’s top 10 hottest new designers by the Vancouver Sun, Smith will be showcasing her latest Allison Wonderland collection at the One of a Kind Show. Featured in high-end fashion publications including Elle Canada and Flare Fashion Magazine, Allison Wonderland boasts national and international popularity with sales reaching beyond North America and as far as Tokyo, Japan.
First time participant, Smith remarks, “I am really looking forward to participating in the One of a Kind Show. My business is normally all wholesale so this will give me a chance to connect with my clients.” Reflecting on her success, Smith is grateful for her education at Kwantlen, “Kwantlen gave me the skills to start my own line. I'm thankful to Kwantlen for the opportunity.”
Equally successful in their businesses with their own clothing labels, Greer and Mathias are also attending the craft show with high hopes. Greer will be exhibiting her own collection, Trunkshow, which was inspired by retro high-glam. Her creation is aptly described as rebellious and reflective. Recently receiving the Julie Hobart SOS Fashion Program Award, Mathias will be bringing her label Osei-Duro to the show. Her business emphasizes sustainability, a principle that has her company paying its seamstresses in West Africa equitable wages and helping them thrive in the local community.
Commenting on the foundation of success for the university’s fashion design alumni and program, Calla explains, “Through Kwantlen’s unique Fashion Design and Technology program, we emphasize to students the importance of finding your passion through your selection of a viable underserviced area of the incredibly saturated marketplace. It’s the precarious balance of creativity and marketability that has allowed these young designers to stake their claim to fame.”
The One of a Kind Show is Canada's finest craft show, bringing innovative artists, craftspeople, and designers together to share their unique creations with the rest of the world. For more information, visit: http://oneofakindvancouver.com
As the only program of its kind in Western Canada, Kwantlen’s Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology program prepares students for careers in the global apparel economy in fashion design, production, marketing, and computer technology. This dynamic program features comprehensive industry-based education and training using leading-edge technology and extensive internships that result in employment. For more information about the fashion program, visit kwantlen.ca/design
For more information about Kwantlen Polytechnic University, visit: www.kwantlen.ca
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For more information about this story, contact:
Shirley Calla
Instructor, Faculty of Design
Tel: 604.599.2746
shirley.calla@kwantlen.ca
OR
For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca