October 2, 2007
(RICHMOND, B.C.) Kwantlen University College Fashion Design degree graduate Carlie Wong, 23, is one of 12 finalists on the reality television show Project Runway Canada, airing October 8 at 10:00 p.m. on the cable television channel Slice (formerly Life Network).
“My experience in the industry has given me strong couturier skills, not unlike the delicate handiwork of centuries past,” said Wong, a Vancouver resident. “My design aesthetic is to bring back a sense of luxury to our everyday dress.”
When asked how she feels about participating in the show, Wong remarked, “I feel very grateful to be among such amazing talent and to be labeled as one of the top 12 designers in Canada. I am the youngest and least experienced of all the contestants and I'm proud to have made it. It was an emotionally stressful process, but I wouldn't trade it for the world; I have made many lifelong friendships.”
Wong graduated at the top of her class in 2006 from Kwantlen’s Bachelor of Applied Design in Fashion Design and Technology program. Upon graduation, Wong was hired as a dress maker for Vancouver designer Manuel Mendoza. She now works at mac&jac/Kensie as an assistant designer.
Wong is confident that her education at Kwantlen has prepared her for success in the fashion industry, “Kwantlen's design program prepared me up to this point through its intense curriculum. The program is hard work. In my fourth-year especially, there were endless hours spent on my collection; but you get back what you put in. What makes the program unique in comparison to others is that it realistically prepares you for jobs in the industry, which for me is a good stepping stone to beginning my own company.”
"Carlie was a darling of the media at her Kwantlen 2006 grad fashion show with her elegant, sophisticated evening wear collection inspired by Orientalism and Art Nouveau in Paris during the early 20th century,” said Mary Boni, Kwantlen fashion program coordinator. “Rebecca Osler, fashion writer for The Vancouver Sun, commended Wong for her marketing savvy by creating an unforgettable package that included: Wong's skillful drawings of the collection, a matching greeting card and gold envelope, professional quality photographs and a bookmark with a tassel borrowed from the line itself."
Wong's designs have been featured in Style Magazine , The Georgia Straight newspaper and the Vancouver Sun.
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; 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 kwantlen.ca/applied-design/fashion or contact
Mary Boni
Fashion Program Coordinator
Tel: 604.599.2551
mary.boni@kwantlen.ca