Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Two Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Wilson School of Design alumni are taking their passion for fashion from the campus to the catwalk at Vancouver Fashion Week.
Vancouver’s Sam Stringer and Langley’s Kate Schreiner, who graduated from the university’s fashion and technology program in April, are showcasing their collections at VFW Sept. 19-25. Stringer’s line of evening gowns, Vesuvius, combines artistry and luxury, and is rich with elaborate details and stunning draping.
“With Vesuvius, I’m drawing focus to the value of locally made design, as opposed to ‘fast fashion,’” said Stringer, who is originally from Victoria but moved to Vancouver to attend KPU.
After attending VFW as media and eventually working as a staff photographer for several seasons, Stringer’s admiration for the level of local and international talent showcased at the event inspired her work in more ways than one.
“My involvement with VFW was such an incredible opportunity for me as both a photographer and a designer, I was constantly surrounded by creative people in so many different mediums that it became one of my main inspirations for my collection.”
Jamal Abdourahman, producer and founder of VFW, was eager to showcase Stringer’s unique talent: “I was incredibly inspired and moved by Sam’s work, as there are only a few designers with the drive and the knowledge to make an impact in this industry and I believe she is one of them.”
Schreiner, who created “hetki / a moment,” grew up “being inspired by everything,” and used sketching as a creative outlet. She hails from a line of seamstresses and tailors, and soon developed the same familial passion and interest.
Schreiner’s studies majoring in fashion design and technology at the Wilson School of Design clarified the meaning of individual creativity, and after nine years of formal textile and industry education in Vancouver, Canada and Helsinki, Finland, she refined her skills in conceptual and technical design, illustration, manual and computer-assisted drafting, production, draping, styling, event planning, marketing, and business.
She began to look at design in a new way while studying in Europe, focusing on perfecting the process, since the process is the greater learning tool: once the process is perfected, the product falls into place naturally.
“My brand, ‘hetki / a moment,’ is derived from the root of Scandinavia,” explains Schreiner. “Nordic and Scandinavian countries have a beautiful, peaceful, and slow-paced disposition, and an overall quality of lifestyle is appreciated and valued. So that ‘slow fashion’ is what I’ve captured with my designs.”
KPU fashion and technology program co-ordinator Andhra Goundrey lauds both designers for having the courage and determination to take their experiences “to the next level.”
“Sam and Kate have our support and congratulations for taking the direct leap into industry and entrepreneurship so soon after graduation,” said Goundrey.
With a global reputation for celebrating diverse creative talent, VFW provides a platform for both emerging local and internationally award-winning designers. Since its inception 17 years ago, VFW has operated with a firm belief in being a well-grounded local initiative with global instincts and intuition.
Photos of Stringer and Schreiner are available for download on Flickr.
For more information, visit vanfashionweek.com.
For more information on programs offered at the Wilson School of Design, visit kpu.ca/design.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
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.
Media contacts:
Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
t: 604.599.2840
c: 604.828.5232
corry.anderson-fennell@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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