Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion student Cecilia Ignacio will be one of 37 designers showing off their fashion lines at The Show, set for Thursday, April 24 at the River Rock Casino in Richmond.
The Delta Secondary graduate will unveil her Willa-Jade line, clothes for the tomboy tween girl who finds expression through fashion.
“I’ve been waiting for this day for many years,” says Ignacio. “It’s been such an experience these past four years at KPU, doing something that I’m passionate about while also being able to design a collection of apparel for a much-needed market in the city.
“All the hard work put into organizing a fashion show, on top of everything I’ve learned from my peers and instructors, will be of great value to me in the future.”
Ignacio developed the line as part of her final project before graduating from KPU’s four-year fashion, design and technology program this May.
The project involves extensive market and design research, requiring students to create garments that meet a perceived market need.
“I developed Willa-Jade because it combines my love for street-wear that is both comfortable and functional,” says Ignacio. “The line is for tween girls between the ages of eight and 12 who have a tomboy-inspired aesthetic.
“My line mixes bold colourful prints with super comfortable fabrics made for an active lifestyle. The line is also practical: it combines versatility with function as the girls are always on the go they need clothing that’s easy to move in.”
The Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel, will feature fashions for men, women, children and tweens. There will be lingerie, loungewear, beachwear and outerwear as well as fashionable clothing designed specifically for people in wheelchairs, the eco-conscious and those preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
The students — who are organizing the event in collaboration with other students, KPU faculty and staff, and industry experts — will display their garments in three back-to-back shows.
Tickets for The Show start at $18. For more information about the event, visit kpu.ca/theshow2014.
