My VCC Fashion experience started three years ago. I was very keen on going to a good fashion school. I looked into all the colleges, institutes and programs in Vancouver. This included LaSalle, The Art Institute, Blanche MacDonald, Kwantlen College, and Vancouver Community College. However, I felt VCC’s Fashion Arts program had the wide range of subjects I was looking for and tuition was very reasonable!
Admittance
I applied in April, two months before graduating from high school. Soon after applying, I got called in for an interview. Being accepted into the two year full-time Diploma Program at VCC was determined by the program coordinator. The coordinator will look at any work you have done related to fashion and determine if you are ready for the program. The work you will be asked to bring are garments sewn by you and any illustrations to show your designs. They don’t have to be detailed fashion drawings (mine weren’t) or amazingly sewn garments, but they should show the coordinator that you have a passion for fashion design and are willing to learn more.
Therefore to my surprise, Blanche, the Art Institute and VCC have some of the same professors.
However, if you have never lifted a pencil or gone near a sewing machine, VCC offers night classes to get you started. VCC’s full time two-year program is just under $14,000 dollars. This does not include fabrics, books, photo-shoots, materials needed for projects and other expenses. But it is the least expensive fashion program in Vancouver. I would also like to state that Vancouver is very small city; there are only so many professionals that teach one thing and one thing well. Therefore to my surprise, Blanche, the Art Institute and VCC have some of the same professors. Just something to keep in mind.
The VCC Fashion Arts Program
The program starts in September and ends in June. You do have a two month break, until the second year starts. About 22 people are accepted and you are with the same group of people from the first day. The two-year program at VCC is a program composed of about 50 subjects. It is all broken up very well. The two years total to 6 semesters. Each semester has 7 to 8 courses. It is a full load and not everyone has the time to be in school from 9am to 5pm (part-time is also an option). Classes are four times a week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Two classes are held in a day, each class is three hours long.
The first year focuses on the basic ideas of fashion. Learning fashion terms, history, how to sew properly, how to illustrate properly, how to make patterns, surface design, understanding fabrics, and much more. The second year is really putting everything from year one to practical use. To graduate you must come up with and design your own collection. It consist of five different looks. Don’t let it scare you though, the professors and program are organized, guiding you along every step of the way, helping you to realize your goal.
When I first applied to the program I didn’t know what to expect. The whole fashion industry came to me as a shock. I feel that fashion is viewed just as “fun”, “creative” and “easy”. The full time program started off with 20 people but ended with 12. This is because a lot of people underestimate the art of fashion. It’s not not for everyone and you will discover if it is before the first year is done. I have learned that the fashion industry is so wide spread in terms of jobs that are out there. To add, I was pleasantly surprised how practical and hands on the program is. I loved every bit because it all had to do with fashion!
In those three minutes, some will find the two years were worth it, others not so much.
The Big Show
This is what everything rides on. In those three minutes, some will find the two years were worth it, others not so much. The graduating fashion show will feature your five looks, your collection portfolio, a mock press release and your custom business cards. The fashion show is a great place to network. VCC does a great job to get the top industry people at the show. They sit front row, just across the grad class. It’s a very rewarding experience to see their reaction as collections go down the run-way. At the show, your portfolio will be displayed, showing your fully illustrated collection. Next to the illustrations are fabric swatches, technical drawings, mood board and other work you wish to display.
The best part of the show is seeing you work go down the runway and thinking about how you put it all together: the music, the shoes, the models, the colors, the fabrics, and it’s amazing how it all falls into place. Cameras from Novus TV are present; they will go around and interview students. You cannot graduate from VCC without showing five looks and you must have the collection go down the runway. It’s all a part of the experience!
Facilities and Classroom
There are two connected rooms for the fashion studio at VCC. The first room holds more that 20 industrial sewing machines. Next to them are servers, buttonhole machines, button machines and lock machines. Thread is provided until personal projects. The room is well lit and the machines are kept in great shape!
The second room is where all the pattern making and paper work is done. The room consists of about 10-12 large tables that provide space for you to create your patterns and blocks. Other rooms are used throughout VCC depending on the class, such as technical drawing, which would be in the computer lab.
Career Preparation
I believe that the fashion program at VCC does an amazing job getting you ready for the industry. It really comes down to what you make of it, but the subjects offered cover a wide range of careers in the fashion industry. VCC also has a Fashion Merchandising Certificate Program. I finished that too to give me a well rounded education and it’s great as well. It covers more of marketing, retail buying and store merchandising.
By graduation you should have a pretty good idea of which direction you want to go in the Fashion Industry. Your coordinator will be aware of this and she personally contacts the company/brand/designer that you might wish to work for. The coordinator also keeps in touch with you personally after graduation, making sure you have found a job or internship, and taking the time to see how you’re doing.
Nine months after graduation, I can confidently say that more than half of the grads have either found jobs, are interning or starting their own clothing line. Simply, they are still in the fashion industry.
I found the Fashion Arts Program at Vancouver Community College was everything that a fashion program should be.
The Verdict
I found the Fashion Arts Program at Vancouver Community College was everything that a fashion program should be. My advice to you if you choose to take Fashion Arts is to take it seriously. I came fresh from high school into a very industry based program and I felt that everything was just for marks. It was later in the program that I realized, everything I am learning now, I am taking with me to the playing field; make every project count. Concentrate on making your work neat and really understand what you are doing, you may not have someone to ask later. And ask all the questions that come to mind, the profs are great and are there to help.
Since my graduation from the college, I have been able to find work with ease. For the first 6 months after my graduation I have worked as a Product Developer for a local Vancouver artist starting their own clothing line. I am currently in Amsterdam working for a couture bridal wear designer. I assist her with constructing custom designed wedding dresses, and I’ve also designed one on my own. I am confident to say that VCC will help you reach all your fashion goals and dreams.
Best of luck to you, and remember, follow your bliss. :)
Aleksandra
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Hello
Does this fashion course also teach people with learning disabilities or slow learners and will i have financial help?