LA SALLE COLLEGE FASHION STUDENTS SHOW THEIR WORK
Thursday, June 22nd, I was "Out and About" at the Renfrew Street campus of La Salle College. The purpose of my trip was to see the work of graduating students from the fashion program. La Salle College offers a diploma program and is one of the few schools in the country to offer a Bachelor of Fashion Design Degree. Each year the graduating students of La Salle partner with Vancouver Fashion Week, allowing the students to share their work with the fashion industry and the community. Through my coverage of VFW, I have been exposed to the students of Lasalle College and have been excited and impressed by their talents.
The portfolio show allowed me to meet the designers and see their work. I was met at the door by La Salle College ambassador and graduate Eduardo Ramos and instructor Nargas Khabazha. Thank you to Nargas for introducing me to the students and guiding me through their work.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATES
Yichi Zhang ( James)
pictured; Nargas Khabazha and James Zhang
James presented a sustainable fashion collection, influenced and upcycled from articles of clothes donated to him by fellow students. The garments featured gauzy sheer fabrics, light and airy in a palette of neutrals. James expressed his views on the importance of sustainable and ethically produced fashion.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATE
DUAA YAMANI
I had an in-depth conversation with designer Duaa Yamani about her designs and her future desire to start her label. Duaa presented evening wear created from luxurious fabrics with powerful silhouettes. The clean lines and attention to detail made these garments stand out.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATE
NICOLE PROSCH
Nicole Prosch was awarded for outstanding work in the Fashion Diploma Program. Nicole presented an ultra-feminine collection using pastel colors and sheer gauzy fabrics. This delightful collection was full of whimsy and girlish charm. Nicole is already applying for jobs in the industry.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATE
ANNELIESE CHUNG
Anneliese Chung showed two pieces from her graduate collection, both are daring and sophisticated, showing her desire to create a carefree and maverick brand. Anneliese produced two fresh silhouettes using luxury fabrics like silk taffeta, showing a talent for original eveningwear.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATE
MONICA DE LARA
Monica De Lara stood out for her design of sportswear. The west coast penchant for an outdoor life is well served with Monica's stylish and practical activewear. A standout piece are a pair of quilted trousers with zipper details, that are polished and production ready.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATE
SHAMALI SHIRUR
Shamali Shirur created a collection emphasizing her brand's mandate to meld South Asian and Western cultures. The designer uses macramé like string details, crop tops, linen, and cotton fabrics in neutral earthy tones and clean lines. The result is elegant womenswear that incorporates cultural elements in wearable refined garments that are chic and original.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATE
ANA d' CARVALHO
Ana d' Carvalho was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award for the Bachelor program in Fashion Design. Ana told me about her commitment to upcycling and her ambition to create zero-waste fashion. d' Carvalho's collection of upcycled denim showed her creativity and inventiveness. Ana is working on a career in fashion education, specializing in sustainability and upcycling.
LA SALLE COLLEGE GRADUATE
VALENTINA VALOR
Valentina Valor presented a collection that is a fashion art installation. Entitled "Here we die for Love " the four dresses are representations of a narrative that deals with themes of feminism, misogyny, and violence against women. As a fashion artist, Valentina plans on a career in art and entertainment. I look forward to seeing the work of this talented artist.
IN CONCLUSION
I love engaging with the young designers of the future. Congratulations to all the graduates.
CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW