October 10, 2007

(RICHMOND, B.C.) Kwantlen University College fourth year fashion students, Michelle Jerome, of Vancouver and Carmen Merkel, of New Westminster have been awarded the Portobello West Market Graduate Award for their label Bad Apple.

The Portobello West Market Graduate Award was designed to give a grad all they need to launch a fashion line, including one year at Portobello West fashion and art market, a website, a professional photo shoot by Blue Lava Studios, PR support by gtwo PR and a membership and starter kit of eco-friendly fabrics from SYKA Textiles—a prize worth over $10,000.

“We are very grateful and excited about the excellent opportunities that this award brings to Bad Apple,” said winners Jerome and Merkel, “It is a great chance for us to take our business to the next level.”

The creators of Bad Apple met in their second year in the fashion degree program at Kwantlen University College where they discovered that they had a very similar esthetic and work ethic—which quickly led to the development of a partnership and the creation of their fashion line: Bad Apple.

Jerome and Merkel are both enrolled in their fourth year of studies in the Fashion Design degree program at Kwantlen University College and are confident that their education at Kwantlen will have prepared them for a successful career in the fashion industry.

“Kwantlen’s program thoroughly explores the balance between marketing and design, it teaches that fashion is a business as well as a creative endeavor” says the Bad Apple creators.  “Our education at Kwantlen has definitely helped us make more educated and researched decisions in all aspects of our business and design directions. We feel very prepared for the fashion industry, and through work experience, have been able to make many connections to our classes.”

For those who are considering a future in the fashion industry, Jerome and Merkel recommend Kwantlen, “We truly believe that if you want to sew and make beautiful garments you can go to any fashion school. If you want to have a successful career in fashion, go to Kwantlen."

As the only program of its kind in western Canada, Kwantlen’s Bachelor of Applied Design in Fashion Design and Technology program prepares students for careers in the global apparel economy in fashion design, production, marketing and computer technology. This dynamic program features comprehensive industry-based education and training using leading-edge technology; class projects facilitated by prominent apparel companies such as Lululemon; and an extensive internship that results in employment.

With over 300 apparel companies in the Lower Mainland, Kwantlen provides the work force for the diversified careers offered by a vibrant BC fashion industry. To learn more about this program, contact the Richmond Campus Admissions office at 604-599-2512 or visit: www.kwantlen.ca/applied-design/fashion.html

Kwantlen’s mission is to create an exceptional undergraduate learning environment committed to preparing learners for leadership, service and success. Kwantlen became a university college with degree granting status in 1995, and has a mandate to develop and offer baccalaureate degrees that will prepare students for fulfilling careers.

For more information, contact:

Mary Boni

Fashion Program Coordinator

Tel: 604-599-2551

mary.boni@kwantlen.ca