KPU fashion student's designs win at national competition

Montreal, QC – KPU fashion student Nicole Boyer was the only designer outside of Quebec to be awarded one of five grand prizes at TÉLIO’s annual fashion show for Canada’s top design students, held in Montreal last week.

Boyer (Richmond) was one of 25 designers from across the country who were selected by the North American textile giant as Canada’s breakthrough designers for 2014. Her garment – inspired by the elaborate, furry coat worn by the character Rachel in the movie Blade Runner – won technical mention, a recognition that comes with a $2,000 scholarship.

“The last few days have been a dream for me,” says Boyer. “This scholarship means so much more to me than just the money. Being able to afford another semester of school is great, but really, it was all about the experience. It’s hard to describe the feeling of seeing so many accomplished, inspiring people in one place, and getting to showcase all of our designs together. I will never forget this experience, and am honoured that my design was picked as a winner.”

Boyer, along with KPU students Capri Philip (Richmond) and Angela Huang (Coquitlam), was chosen to compete in November, after her design was chosen out of hundreds of sketches. With fabrics provided by TÉLIO, each of the 25 finalists spent months fashioning their garments, tailored to the theme of ‘textures’.

Each garment was then showcased at the fashion show, which was attended by industry professionals and media.

“It is more than a design contest,” says Sharon Greeno, KPU faculty of design instructor who accompanied the university’s three contestants. “The students get to meet and spend time with peers from other schools, enjoy hosted industry tours, hear from industry speakers and get inspired.”

“Lifelong connections are made and the outcomes are diverse. Each of the 25 finalists received national coverage, and get to walk away with the prestige earned from competing. Nicole, Capri and Angela were a strong team, proudly representing themselves and the university as talented, professional, burgeoning young entrepreneurs,” adds Greeno.

Boyer is a second-year student in KPU’s fashion design and technology program, which is based out of the university’s Richmond campus.

“I‘ve now showcased my work on the runway, networked with peers and industry, as well as visited a city I love, all thanks to TÉLIO. The recognition I received by winning the technical mention has opened so many doors for me,” says Boyer. “I am so grateful for TÉLIO's generosity, kindness and support. It’s a good feeling knowing that there are people in the industry out there fostering fashion design, and that hard work can pay off.”

For more information about KPU’s fashion programs, visit: kpu.ca/fashion. 

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.

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Caption: Nicole Boyer (left) walks down the runway with the model wearing her award-winning garment. [Photo credit: Geneviève Giguère]

Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca

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