Photos and writing by Dianna Drahanchuk
Out of curiosity I signed up for a free fashion design workshop at the La Salle College held at their attractive new building located on the corner of Beaty and Smythe Streets. The weather was miserable but that didn’t keep the 15 potential fashion design students from coming to see what the school had to offer. Theresa Bishop, an experienced and enthusiastic instructor, lead the group through a hands-on draping exercise. We all took a turn at cutting the muslin pieces after which she demonstrated how to drape them on a mannequin. It was interesting to see how each student either struggled or triumphed or didn’t follow instructions (like me) so they could come up with their own design.
Eric, a thoughtful student of just seven weeks talked ardently about the program even though he had not had any sewing experience before he began and the workload is heavy. He said that means a student is forced to become as good as they can, as fast as they can. He also likes the small class size which allows students to experiment. His goal is to be one of the ten students who get their collection picked in the competition for the Vancouver Fashion Week before he graduates in 5 semesters (2 1/2 years). To round up the workshop, an ex-student dropped by to talk about the various opportunities available in the fashion industry.
Meanwhile, a jewelry design workshop was being held in another classroom. By contrast, the students sat at rapt attention as the instructor illustrated how to draw a ring using a special template that made the process look at once complicated and easy. They had started by examining oversize illustrations of gems.
La Salle College is serious about their design programs. Plans are in the works to have the school accredited as a university.
Out of curiosity I signed up for a free fashion design workshop at the La Salle College held at their attractive new building located on the corner of Beaty and Smythe Streets. The weather was miserable but that didn’t keep the 15 potential fashion design students from coming to see what the school had to offer. Theresa Bishop, an experienced and enthusiastic instructor, lead the group through a hands-on draping exercise. We all took a turn at cutting the muslin pieces after which she demonstrated how to drape them on a mannequin. It was interesting to see how each student either struggled or triumphed or didn’t follow instructions (like me) so they could come up with their own design.
Eric, a thoughtful student of just seven weeks talked ardently about the program even though he had not had any sewing experience before he began and the workload is heavy. He said that means a student is forced to become as good as they can, as fast as they can. He also likes the small class size which allows students to experiment. His goal is to be one of the ten students who get their collection picked in the competition for the Vancouver Fashion Week before he graduates in 5 semesters (2 1/2 years). To round up the workshop, an ex-student dropped by to talk about the various opportunities available in the fashion industry.
Meanwhile, a jewelry design workshop was being held in another classroom. By contrast, the students sat at rapt attention as the instructor illustrated how to draw a ring using a special template that made the process look at once complicated and easy. They had started by examining oversize illustrations of gems.
La Salle College is serious about their design programs. Plans are in the works to have the school accredited as a university.
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