LaSalle College – Fashion in Canada’s Fashion Capital!

From a very young age I realized I was not built for the institution of school. Fashion with a hand’s on approach was always my direction, unlike the traditional academic four year degree. Born and raised in Toronto, I definitely knew that I wanted to experience the exciting world of fashion in a different city. My sister who was attending McGill at the time found out about an open house at LaSalle College, so I ventured to Montreal for the weekend and we attended the event. We took the elevator to the fifth floor and I was instantly in love. The massive pattern making rooms, drawing rooms and fashion display cases set the tone of the fashion floor. After my very informative briefing, I was set. It was the only place I wanted to go and the only place I applied. All that was required was a high school transcript and boom early acceptance.

I would honestly say half of the students dropped out or transferred into another program.

The Fashion Design Program

From the first day of classes until the middle of the second semester, I would honestly say half of the students dropped out or transferred into another program. This fashion design program is for those who want to CREATE.

LaSalle offers a variety of programs and is well known for Fashion Design, Marketing and Culinary Arts. I do warn, upon entering the Diploma program you will be subjected to about twenty hours extra classes a week for the first two years, classes like French, Gym, English and history (this is common with many college programs). This was not my route though and after discussing my goals with my parents, I enrolled in the certificate program which was still a 3 year course (minus all the academic classes). I went with the certificate because I wanted to get an internship or start my own line, while experiencing the city of Montreal with friends.

Alright, so first year in the Fashion Design program you start with the basic level one of Sewing, Patterning, Fashion Illustration, Graphics, Textile Info, and Fashion History. At first you might be a tad freaked at the minimum 3 hour classes (Patterning starts at 4). However once you’re working on your assignments, you really get into a groove and realize why the classes are so long. As each semester progresses you are introduced into the next level of skills, and some new ones are introduced as well like: Draping, Computer Patterning and Technical Production. Each progression is smooth. As long as you do the work, pay attention, and are still interested, you will continue successfully.

For the entire 3_rd year, you get to experience a real-life fashion show from beginning to end. You get to choose which part of the development you want to be a part of and you’ll have a lot of fun working long hours with your friends and experiencing all aspects of the show!

Even though it looks like your average office building, you’re only steps away from massive fashion inspiration!

The Good & The Bad

Location! Even though it looks like your average office building, you’re only steps away from massive fashion inspiration! Whether your passion is for commercial or independent fashion, class trips and shopping sprees are part of the experience right down the street.

A handful of the teachers were extremely personable and passionate. The majority of them have incredible experience and the highest knowledge of fashion. They will grind you until you get that seam straight or dive into your deepest creative thoughts. I loved being critiqued by peers and teachers in an open concept evaluation for all the technical classes. It does boost your confidence and helps you realize different point of views.

Throughout the years there were many contests with Telio, Le Chateau and Cottonelle. There was also a lot of industry awareness opportunities for volunteering backstage at well known events. Unfortunately for me, French speaking was sometimes mandatory. Projects and exams were mainly hands on and were always creative and fair. There was also a LOT of support for continuing education in our third year with bursary programs for fashion programs in different countries.

I was lucky to move in with friends when I first moved to Montreal and met school friends in all my fashion classes. However as out of town students, you have the option of renting from the apartment building suggested by the school. The building itself is not the nicest and feels secluded, I feel some sort of social networking/housing for these out of town students should be implemented.

I found in third year the ever exciting final graduation show was suppose to be an expression of the graduating class. However, we were time and time again told to change our designs. I remember my group was in charge of “evening suits” and at the very first critique we were so excited with our plan… and EVERY single idea was vetoed. This is because it was “too over the top” and not to the coordinators retail vision. The final show was beautiful, so maybe it was for the best.

Lastly, I think there should be more options for students to take or sit in on advanced fashion business classes. A lot of students graduate with the design aspect and want to start their businesses but do not have the “know how” to do so. Rising star and graduate of LaSalle College, Fashion Designer Travis Taddeo agrees, “I have no doubt that LaSalle College breeds success, however they could be twice as strong if they could figure out a way to sync the marketing and design students together for a final project.”

Upon graduation, I can say with certainty that you are prepared for a job in the fashion industry.

The Verdict

I would recommend this program to anybody, especially if fashion DESIGN is their goal. Upon graduation, I can say with certainty that you are prepared for a job in the fashion industry. The pinpoint program crams all of the important knowledge into a hands-on education. Fellow classmates have continued their education to Central Saint Martins (London), Parsons (NYC), and even fashion programs in Italy. Other friends have stayed in Montreal and started jobs right after school working for mega corporations like Le Chateau and the DYNAMITE/GARAGE label. One friend even snagged a job working for a label in China and has been working steadily ever since. A handful of friends have tinkered with their own labels and naturally some have changed industries completely. Successful graduates of LaSalle include the very well known Marie St. Pierre, Denis Gagnon, Andy The Anh, and incredible rising star Travis Taddeo.

I currently am working independently and have been since second year. However in this past year, I have taken things more seriously and am slowly expanding my business. My line is currently available in 5 stores in the GTA. I participate in a plethora of fashion events and charity galas including the Toronto Clothing Show. I have gained incredible work experience by working briefly with Indie Queen Nathalie-Roze and with Jonas William & Associates Fashion Accessory Company which included a three week business trip to China. Being a member of the Toronto Fashion Incubator has given me a wealth of business knowledge and direction in areas that LaSalle did not equip me for. I am also a part of a designer collective on Queen Street in Toronto that has been huge in helping me gaining knowledge of customer relations and sales growth. I’ve also been mentored by the very successful Laura Jean, head designer of Fresh Baked.

Feel free to dive deeper into the world of SAMANTHA at www.samanthastoncius.ca or www.fivefrillyfacts.com.

(5 votes, average: 3.80 out of 5)

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