I never really understood what being a fashion designer meant. So in my tenth grade of highschool, when the class was asked to create a project about a career they were interested and find a mentor to help them along the way, I decided to really learn about the fashion industry.
She had taken the time out of her schedule to teach me how to draft and sew a skirt.
I researched everything I could and stumbled across Kwantlen’s Fashion Design program. I randomly selected one of the instructors from the website and called them to explain my situation. Within a few days, I got a call back from her agreeing to help me with my project. She had taken the time out of her schedule to teach me how to draft and sew a skirt, while giving me insight into the fashion industry. If you ever do go to Kwantlen, you’ll learn firsthand how much the teachers give to their students. From then on, I knew an education in fashion was something I wanted to pursue.
Program Entry
Kwantlen has a list of requirements before entry into the program is granted. Whether you’re going for the two-year diploma or the four-year Bachelors, here are some of the more notable requirements on the list.
- A minimum B in Textile Studies Grade 11 & 12 or extensive sewing experience
- Demonstrated skills in art and design, computer keyboarding skills, basic mathematical skills (a math test will be given out at the orientation), and an awareness of the fashion profession
- Six to ten sewn garments
- Two art or design examples with a brief write up
- Written evidence or a journal of the local fashion industry
- Resume with three references
The faculty reviews the work at the orientation and considers eligibility of the candidates, since only about forty students are accepted a year. They basically want to know whether the candidates are passionate about the fashion industry. The cost of tuition is about the same as any four-year bachelor program. Just keep in mind that there will be other costs that will come into play such as fabric, art supplies, etc.
The Program
Kwantlen’s fashion program focuses heavily on the three aspects of fashion: designing, manufacturing, and marketing. The course load is extremely heavy and the teachers grade to industry standards, so students are maximizing their potential.
Designing
In first year you learn the foundation of design. Courses are structured so that you can explore different aspects of design (not necessarily fashion) including drawing, layout, colour theory, and the elements and principles of design. Second year is very heavy with design concepts and work. However, you get to work with industry links like Lululemon, and other local Vancouver companies.
Manufacturing
Drafting and sewing classes are very long and time consuming classes (unless you are a fast sewer). I spent most of my Saturdays in the sewing labs catching up with projects. Most drafting and sewing classes are from 8am – 4pm and you most likely will stay later to finish up projects. Coming into the program, you must know how to sew, however, Kwantlen introduces you to new techniques and machinery you can use. During the first and second year you learn how to draft and sew basic garments while producing clothes you designed from design classes.
Marketing
Marketing plays a major role in Kwantlen’s Fashion program. Aside from a few projects, students had to always be thinking about the marketability of the products they created. Because there was so much focus on marketability, there was not a lot of time to explore different avenues of design. In fourth year, you create a final line targeted towards a niche. So researching and marketing skills are needed to complete the final year.
Internship
In third year, you spend the first semester preparing for your internship and choosing the right environment to intern at. Kwantlen is very reputable within the Vancouver fashion industry which allows students to take part in internships. The internships however are non-paid and while working for the company other courses are to be taken. My internship was great because it allowed me to see how a fashion company was run. I was able to work with buyers, graphic designers, and product developers. Having the experience to intern with a company allowed me to gain firsthand experience in the fashion industry.
The Fashion Show
All the knowledge learnt in the past three years gets combined in the final year. The first half of the semester, students are asked to research and find a market that is lacking in the industry. At the end of the first semester the collection must be presented to a panel who either agree or disagree with the niche market. In the last semester, the line you present gets made for the graduate fashion show, the highlight of the four years spent at Kwantlen.
The program has many positive attributes and I would definitely recommend the school to anybody passionate about the fashion industry.
The Verdict
I had an amazing time attending the fashion design program at Kwantlen. I was able to gain so much insight into the industry. The program has many positive attributes and I would definitely recommend the school to anybody passionate about the fashion industry. Kwantlen prepares its students to work in the industry. After graduating from the program many students get jobs in the industry either with their internship or other local companies that come to the final grad show. Unfortunately, because of the economy right now there aren’t so many opportunities as there had been previously. I am continuing my education though, focusing on graphic design, so that I can later work as a fashion graphic designer. You can see some of my work on Coroflot.
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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