Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Beware the wolf in couture clothing designed by Wilson School of Design students.
Nineteen of Metro Vancouver's up-and-coming designers studying at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) helped make the recent St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Young Leaders gala just a little more “brilliant” with their extraordinary designs. A production of fashion and dance, the opening sequence of the Brilliant! gala's fantastical show featured Alice in Wonderland-style designs by KPU students across all four years of the university's fashion design and technology degree program.
The event was part of an annual fundraiser that features Vancouver’s most fashion-forward models, hair stylists, designers and dancers to raise funds and support for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
“I was invited to see Brilliant! last year and as I sat in the audience I couldn’t help but get excited about what I was seeing, and I dreamed about getting KPU students involved in the following year's production,” said KPU instructor Heather Clark, herself a KPU fashion alumna.
“This event provided the students with an opportunity to showcase their skills in a runway setting, and work with hair and makeup teams who created extravagant looks. For many of the students this was an opportunity that rarely arises, made even better because it was a fundraiser. It gave the group time to connect and collaborate with their classmates and further grow into leadership roles through building their confidence,” she added.
“As someone who has had close relationships with both friends and relatives who have suffered from mental health and addiction issues, I was immediately interested in participating,” said KPU student Amelia Trofymow, who worked on the production’s Alice costume. “I wanted to create something with a unique twist, something familiar yet original. As I started to create my piece I started to embody that Wonderland magic and the possibilities became endless.”
Students from Surrey, Richmond, Langley, New Westminster and Vancouver participated in the project, and photos of their hard work are available on Flickr.
For more on the KPU Wilson School of Design, visit kpu.ca/design, Facebook and Instagram. Information on the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Young Leaders event is available here.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships.Learn more at kpu.ca.
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