Richmond, B.C. – Next week, 36 emerging designers set to graduate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Wilson School of Design will showcase their collections on B.C.’s biggest student runway at 2016 The Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc.
Of those 36 collections created in KPU’s rigorous fashion design and technology degree program, 10 were created by local Richmond residents. And just like the designers who made them, the collections themselves couldn’t be more unique.
A full media kit featuring all 36 designers is available here.
Nicole Boyer, Silva Field and Trade
Boyer’s line was conceived from a comment made by a close friend and long-time tree planter. “She told me how little hardwearing rainwear with fit there were for women out there,” said the designer. The conversation, followed by extensive research, resulted in 10 core pieces made from durable fabrics that allow for great range of motion. The collection focuses on function as well as style, and is designed for women who work or play outdoors.
Hayley Clackson, NRTHRNTWNS Workshop
“My excitement goes so far beyond The Show. This program has prepared me for a life-long career in an industry that I always dreamed of being a part of,” said Clackson, whose work-wear line is tailored to the modern craftsman. “Work-wear that is currently on the market is made for tradespeople, not craftspeople. NRTHRNTWNS focuses on men who are passionate about making things with their own two hands and want to wear clothing that someone else was passionate about making.”
Tina Liu, Little Earthlings
Liu’s line is out of this world. With the theme of exploring outer space, her line of gender-neutral children’s wear incorporates playful 3D alien elements, bright colours and durable fabrics. “A lot of gender-neutral kids’ clothes try to avoid being gender-specific by using neutral colors and simple designs. I wanted to change this by not staying away from colours, and by designing clothes that make kids feel fun and not restricted,” she said.
Cherry Lu, IMPERFECT
Cross-culturalism and identity formed the background for Lu’s collection IMPERFECT. “As an international student who studies in Canada, I have experienced many different cultures over the years. I wanted to spread the value of celebrating differences through a versatile clothing line,” she said. Her womenswear line includes “imperfect” ways of wearing her garments, including detachable, 360-degree and 180-degree modes.
Iris Park, Unscripted
“My perfect plan after graduation would be getting a couple of weeks off and getting right back to work; I enjoy working and like to be busy,” said Park, who has been extremely busy over the past year developing Unscripted. The collection is aimed at women in their 50s and 60s who would rather wear clothing that reflects who they are, rather than garments that are purely functional. With that theme in mind, Unscripted features expressive “art pieces” and a lot of handwork.
Jasmine Su, NEGATIVE SPACE
The geometric lines in origami and the glimmering constellations in space inspired the architectural, asymmetrical designs behind NEGATIVE SPACE: a technical yet edgy streetwear line for women in their 20s and 30s. “After months of research, I realized there was a need for technical streetwear, specifically for women who live an all-day active lifestyle. There are high-tech fabrics and luxurious clothing, but not much out there that is actually merging technical elements with streetwear,” said Su.
Alicia Williams, Levvin
While studying abroad in Berlin, Williams was inspired by the city’s unique and sophisticated street style. “When I came back in Vancouver, I wanted to bring prints and colour to menswear, while still staying true to classic tailoring techniques,” she said. The result is Levvin: a line that brings personality to menswear without sacrificing classic style or fit.
Venessa Clarke, Brilliant Brush
“After nearly eight years of working for a degree I can finally see myself doing this and I can’t wait,” said Clarke, formerly from Toronto. Finding herself feeling depressed by the grey and drizzle of the West Coast, the designer was moved to bring light to women's lives through colour, and a beautiful collection of winter coats. “I have drawn a lot from my own life since moving here. I noticed that I changed my wardrobe in order to deal with the completely different weather patterns here. I learned I could use colours to help brighten things up.”
Laura Hutchison, Current
Surf’s up and it has never felt so warm. Designer Hutchison incorporated alternative methods to produce a line of wetsuits that are better sealed and more durable than traditional suits that are stitched together. Her innovative wetsuit poncho also keeps wearers dry as they change in and out of their suits and clothing. “Growing up in the water showed me gaps in the apparel marketplace for West Coast women,” said Hutchison. “My research experiences inspired me to pursue a line that’s constructed with an ultrasonic weld, different adhesives and wearable technology embedded into some of the garments.”
Marita Paul, Shape Shifter
“I believe that fast fashion is out of control. Clothing is cheaper in price and quality than ever before," said Paul, whose featured collection revolves around slow and ethical production. Shape Shifter stretches wardrobes and transcends trends to afford women quality, adjustable career-casual clothes that are made to last. "I am passionate about how design can be used as a tool to transform our industry towards a healthier and more sustainable future."
All students developed their lines as part of their final project before graduating from KPU’s four-year fashion, design and technology program this May. The program provides students with a rigorous studio-based design education. The final capstone project involves extensive market and design research, and requires students to create garments that meet a perceived market need.
The 10 Richmondites and their designs will walk the runway in five sold-out shows April 6 and 7 at the Imperial Vancouver.
About 2016 The Show:
Presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., 2016 The Show will showcase 36 emerging designers and their collections.
The industry-grade event will take place April 6 and 7 at the Imperial Vancouver. On display will be lines for men, women and children; from eco-conscious evening wear to genderless, season-less clothing. Over five sold-out shows, everything from technical apparel to loungewear to lingerie will walk the runway at B.C.’s biggest student fashion show.
Tickets have sold out. Footage and photos from the show will be available at kpu.ca/2016fashionshow.
More information about the fashion and design programs offered at KPU's Wilson School of Design can be found here.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
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t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
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