Named “Canada’s Breakthrough Designer” at the 2011 TÉLIO Design Competition during Montreal Fashion Week, Kwantlen’s Earl Mabaquiao is quickly becoming one of fashion’s most promising rising stars.

Lauded for his creativity and well-honed technical skills, the fourth-year Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology student says he is looking forward to a bright future in Canadian fashion and is grateful to Kwantlen donors for helping him get where he is today.

“Their support really means a lot to me,” said Mabaquiao, who, in addition to receiving the Ernest Westerman Memorial Award and the Ron Sombilon Award, is proud to have earned both Kwantlen’s Fashion Design and Technology Program Award and Committee for Diversity Inclusion Award.

“Receiving these awards has helped me tremendously. It gives me confidence knowing that someone out there cares about what I do. It is such an honour to receive support from someone who believes in me because without it, I may not have been able to reach the level of success I wanted to achieve.”

Thanking his donors for their “love and support,” Mabaquiao hopes they see what a difference their generosity has made in his life.

“You have given me hope towards a better education and the support to continue in following my dreams. I can honestly say you are changing someone else's life.”

The only program of its kind in Western Canada, Kwantlen's Bachelor of Design, Fashion 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 and extensive internships that result in employment. For more information about the fashion program, visit www.kwantlen.ca/design.