Blanche Fashion Design 2023 Grad Magazine

FOR THE CLASS OF 2021/2022

Made with love by Tyler Udall / Sara Armstrong / Alex S. Yu

Fashion Design Faculty

Sara Armstrong / Program Director, Fashion Design

Donna Baldock / Executive Program Director

Briana Morrison / Global Marketing Director

Peggy Morrison / Executive Program Director

Tais Rissi / Career Advisor

Tyler Udall / Executive Director, Fashion Design

Mel Watts / Career Director

Amanda Wickens / Associate Director

Laila Anatouni / Instructor

Marco Bruni / Instructor

Evan Clayton / Instructor

Daisy Cook / Instructor

Lisa Gellert / Instructor

Dana Johnson / Instructor

Beth Richards / Instructor

Alex S. Yu / Instructor

Beatriz Gontijo / Teaching Assistant

Aaron Pharness / Teaching Assistant

WE ACKNOWLEDGE WITH GRATITUDE THAT OUR WORK TAKES PLACE ON THE TRADITIONAL, ANCESTRAL AND UNCEDED LANDS OF THE MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH AND TSLEIL-WAUTUTH FIRST NATIONS.

© 2022 BLANCHE MACDONALD CENTRE

Shasta Barkman

Loverose Bawa Evan Bergen

Cassidy Blackport

Satine Carreon

Cote

Maral Elminia Candy Fukaya

Ava Gruft

Sasha Jackson

Charandeep Kaur

Jasmine Kaur

Tashi Kawaguchi

Bahar Kianpour

Shiun Kim

Cora Liu

Kimia Momtaz

Hanna Nichols

Asuka Nishiyama

Ran Orteza

Amelia Paczynski

Paola Pizzato

Evan Powell

Emma Prior

Denisse Sanchez

Xian Sun

Jade Tetrault

Vanessa Wang

Jay Yurchak

THE GRADS OF 2022

Photography: Liz Dungate

Styling: Cherry Malone

Makeup and Hair: Oz Zandiyeh

Models:

Amira, Colwyn, Haruka, Mckinnon, Mislaine, Nelly and Tallyn @ Wild Models

S haSta barkman

FROM / Nelson, BC

3 BIGGEST GOALS / 1. To discover and play with new forms of textile arts and creative pattern drafting 2. Explore the impact that my clothing has on the world, and work to make my make my designs more sustainable. 3. To continue to expand upon my technical knowledge of garment design and creation.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / interfacing

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / utility punk meets cottage core

@shasta_la_vista

FAV TIME AT BMC / I have very fond memories of our first semester of fabric manipulation. It was a special feeling to be experimenting and finding our design voices for the first time.

Cotton ice-dyed crop top with cotton twill jnco pants and canvas multi-harness backpack.

hand painted cotton twill trousers.

Maxi sleeve cropped puffer coat with subtraction cut bodysuit and

tank and nylon colour-blocked tearaway pants.

Oversized puffer gilet with embroidered back panel, hand painted

L overoSe bawa

FROM/ Vancouver

3 BIGGEST GOALS / To run my own global brand

To contribute to sustainability To contribute to women empowerment

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / silk DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Romantic Cultural Hand work Dreamy

FAV TIME AT BMC / The last semester where I turned my drawings to reality

@bawaloverose

Red

Asymmetrical bra top with leather buckle trim, satin sleeves and mirrored appliqué details worn with patchwork and crochet tiered skirt with leather waistband.

Crushed velvet mermaid gown with cutouts and rhinestone appliqué worn with metallic netting bodysuit with taffeta poof sleeve and matching purse.

leather redingote with spiral trim detail, matching pants with

built in embroidered sarong and matching tank top.

e van bergen

FROM / Aldergrove BC

3 BIGGEST GOALS / Make a sustainable impact on the fashion industry. Blur the lines between Masculine and Feminine fashion. Constant change and growth for the overall greater good.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / Black twill denim can be paired with almost everything.

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Deconstructed Sustainable Tailoring

FAV TIME AT BMC / I most enjoyed illustrations with Lisa, we got to watch the latest runways while we sketched our collections. After which we discussed our favorite looks, and got detailed critiques about our sketches.

Recycled shopping bag tailored suit with seamed burlap tank top.

Cotton and newsprint button front shirt and pleated skirt with recy -

cled nylon briefcase.

Previous Page : Cotton rainbow wedding dress with recycled necktie waistcoat and upcycled cotton tote.

c

aSSidy bLackport

FROM/ Alix, Alberta, Canada

3 BIGGEST GOALS / to open a store front, work in the film industry and teaching the next generation about the creative art of sewing

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /cotton twill

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / BOLD,ECCENTRIC and REBELLIOUS

FAV TIME AT BMC / Getting to meet a lot of creative minds and being able to share my inspiration and creativity with like minded people

@crimsonrose_design

Hooded cotton cropped jacket with multi layered slash skirt and hydraulic angel wings .

Colour blocked satin strapless gown with tulle underskirt and floral maxi crown.

Colour blocked satin shirt and trouser set with chainmail dickie.

S atine carreon

FROM/ from Burnaby but Im originally from Philippines

3 BIGGEST GOALS / to establish my name, my creation and own company to the world.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / satin DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / elegant, classic, romantic and attractive

FAV TIME AT BMC / Fashion illustration and Sewing

@satinecarre0n

Spanish farthingale gown with basket weave butterfly sleeve and faux fur trim

Basket weave corset with faux fur wrap skirt

with matching butterfly sleeves and ruched

stretch-satin opera gloves.

Basket weave bustier with matching slacks, faux fur chapeau and shrug.

J aSper cote

FROM/ Powell River, BC

3 BIGGEST GOALS / - Continue to share creations that I am happy with

- Learn valuable skills and knowledge from people who inspire me

- Inspire others to express their authentic self

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / I would be distressed, pink tie dyed denim

@jaspercotedesigns

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Flamboyant, Confident, Abstract, Psychedellic, Daring

FAV TIME AT BMC / Being surrounded by people who had such different styles than me, yet were always excited to see what I am doing.

Asymmetrical tie dye vest, mesh tank with slime detail worn and panelled denim trousers with eye ball knee patches.

Up-cycled fringe coat with mesh and lycra singlet with sequinned appliqué and houndstooth wrap skirt and hand painted chaps.

Opposite Page - Colour-blocked bullet bra and asymmetrical tie dye skirt.

@m.e__design

maraL eLminia

FROM/ Iran

3 BIGGEST GOALS /1. working as a creative director and launching my own brand. 2. founding a fashion school back home 3. that is all

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / sheer silk

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / audacious,pristine,Graceful,unconventional, thought provoking

FAV TIME AT BMC / all classes with Ms Peggy and illustration class

Satin and lace strapless a-line dress with chiffon angel sleeve cape.

Deconstructed chiffon striped pants worn with silk cowl-neck blouse and hooded dickie with chain details.

Satin crop top with pleated dolman sleeve and matching two-piece skirt with chain and grommet details.

c andy fukaya

FROM / Japan

3 BIGGEST GOALS / Keep making and designing, Spread Harajuku and Kawaii style fashion in Canada, Promote self expression and self acceptance of each individual’s style

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / Fabric scraps

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Harajuku, Kawaii, Colorful, Happy

@candy_ramune

FAV TIME AT BMC / Shopping and discovering new fabric for my collection

Asymmetrical wrap top with kimono sleeves worn with multi-layered skirt and obi belt with matching beret, bag and fan.

Printed cotton skirt with suspender details, matching wrap top and headpiece worn with 3D flower coin purse.

Asymmetrical wrap top with kimono sleeves worn with multi-layered skirt and obi belt with matching beret, bag and fan.

a va gruft

FROM / Vancouver B.C

3 BIGGEST GOALS / I have an endless list of goals. But my current biggest goals are to travel the entire world, study fashion abroad, and to feel happy and proud of myself!

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / Definitely black and white pinstriped wool

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Strong silhouettes with contemporary details

FAV TIME AT BMC / Learning!!! I love learning. I cant even believe how much I learned in just one year and we only scratched the surface! I loved all my teachers at Blanche they all had just so much incredible knowledge to share. My favourite part was learning.

@avagruft

Colour blocked wool top and bull denim trousers with leather side-strap details.

Lace and silk charmeuse cocktail dress worn with pinstriped clutch-coat with heat transfer graphic.

Wool and satin brocade suit with leather chastity belt.

S aSha JackSon

FROM/ Edmonton, Alberta

3 BIGGEST GOALS /Creative freedom, To help others through my work, and to travel around the world.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / Colourful, printed silk!

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Colourful, comfortable, effortless, body-positive, and fluid.

@sashaajackson

FAV TIME AT BMC / Fulfilling a goal of mine that I’ve dreamed of since I can remember. Learning new skills that helped me achieved my dreams, with amazing teachers/instructors.

Cotton asymmetrical crop top with adjustable chiffon ruched trousers.

Painted vinyl mini set with grommet and chain details.

Boned satin mini dress with bubble hem and denim swing coat.

c harandeep kaur

FROM/ Delhi, India

3 BIGGEST GOALS / Real Estate Empire, Own Perfume Line, Own Couture House

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / silk

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Elegant, Glamorous, Luxurious, Powerful, Sophisticated

FAV TIME AT BMC / Sense of belongingness, cozy and creative class environment, supportive teachers.

@charandeepbanga

Satin strapless gown with detachable tulle train.

Corseted mesh mini dress with glass appliqués.

Boned satin mini dress with pointed cups.

JaSmine kaur

FROM/ India

3 BIGGEST GOALS /To have my own label Make my label Success Travel the world

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /cotton

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Playful, colourful, Bold, Dreamy, Fantasy

FAV TIME AT BMC / It was one of the best year of my life in Blanche, so there are quite a few times that was great.

@PiecesofA4t

Polyester bustier and printed high-waisted trouser with beading details and up-cycled opera bag.

Puff petal bustier with tulle and polyester scrap skirt.

Embroidered vinyl dress and dupioni silk circle skirt.

t aShi kawaguchi

FROM/ Whistler BC, Canada

3 BIGGEST GOALS /1. Designing beautiful garments for people all around the world.

2. Building relationships with people through my art.

3. To build a life for myself that brings me joy.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /Jersey Knit

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Colourful, Out of the box, Comfortable

FAV TIME AT BMC /Being taught by such accomplished and kind people/ designers.

Bamboo mini skirt and matching bandeau with organza sheath dress, matching bucket hat and driving gloves.

Hand-dyed mesh fashion set.

Chiffon slip dress with cotton linen bra, matching obi belt, wide-leg trouser and bucket hat.

b ahar kianpour

FROM/ Iran

3 BIGGEST GOALS /My goal is to become a successful designer and to have my own brand/ business, and be able to show my designs in runways and shows.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /Black silk

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Dreamy, feminine, romantic, creative, elegant

@Baharkianpour

FAV TIME AT BMC /I loved all the time that I was at BMC, but Fashion Awareness class with Peggy with all those stories and show and tells was my favorite . <3 And the day I saw my first look on a model! :)

Asymmetrical wrap top in silk and wool suiting with macrame fringe detail and high waisted wool suiting trouser with maxi ruffle godets.

Smocked cotton blouse with tulle cuffs, duchess satin gathered skirt with pleated panel with hand painted purse and quilted velvet headband.

Opposite page - Black satin and tulle cocktail dress with hand cut 3D beaded butterflies.

S hiun kim

FROM/ Republic of Korea

3 BIGGEST GOALS / opening up my own brand and designing clothes for all age

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / wool

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / gorgeous, handsome, elegant

FAV TIME AT BMC / meeting fashion design students and sewing for my collection

@shiunkim2021

Organza pencil skirt and tank set with custom embroidery detailing.

Asymmetrical blazer and short set with custom embroidery detailing.

c ora Liu

FROM/ China

3 BIGGEST GOALS / 1. independent 2. have my studio 3. have a few loyal customer which like my design

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / linen

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / concise, grace, timeless, clean, natural

FAV TIME AT BMC / Learning environment is my favourite, All teachers are friendly and patient, and students are help each other.

@chapterc2022

Pistachio linen u-line dress with pearl detailing.

Silk a-line dress with angel sleeves.

Silk velvet jumpsuit with rhinestone appliqués, pleated organza godets and matching opera gloves.

k

imia momtaz

FROM Tehran, Iran

3 BIGGEST GOALS / express myself with creativity, learn and experience more in my field and to find a platform where I can be productive .

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / silk or Linen

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / chic.minimal.comfortable.practical.feminine FAV TIME AT BMC / the design class with Lisa Gellert

@misssooffix

Linen jumpsuit with velvet overcoat and up-cycled Persian carpet pocket detail.

@hannanicholls

anna nichoLS

FROM/ I’m originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, but Vancouver has been home for 3+ years.

3 BIGGEST GOALS / My three biggest goals are to meet 10,000 hours of sewing, open my own brick and mortar retail shop that focuses on Canadian slow-fashion brands, and work on a small collection of accessories made from deadstock and repurposed materials.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / A soft, warm wool!

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Classic, colourful, feminine.

FAV TIME AT BMC / There was so much. I loved the intensity and pace of the program, but the support I got from all my instructors and classmates was definitely the cherry on top of the most challenging cake I’ve ever made.

Boned pink taffeta tulip dress and mesh bodysuit with pearl appliqué and matching baguette.

Clotted cream lambskin jacket with fringe detail, black organza ruffled camisole and cloud print stretch-denim trouser.

Black sequined jumpsuit with cowl back detail.

a Suka niShiyama

FROM/ Japan

3 BIGGEST GOALS / knitting teacher, own yarn shop, knit digital creater

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / knit

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / simple, soft, pure

FAV TIME AT BMC / sewing lab

@asukachan_1220

Cotton linen jumpsuit with knitted sleeves and matching collar.

Hand-embroidered strapless dress with knitted shrug.

Angora knit tiered dress with tulle slip skirt.

r an orteza

FROM/ Philippines

3 BIGGEST GOALS / I only have 1 goal, which is to create my own brand that expresses my identity (my beliefs, my culture and my own story)

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / Silk DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Sexy, fierce and classy

FAV TIME AT BMC / All the time with Lisa

@ranortezadesigns

Wool and satin maxi cape with leather collar and faux fur trim, woven leather mini dress with satin and lace panties.

-

Lycra panty and legging set with macrame top with multi-pock

et garter belt and matching beret.

Oversized satin trapeze coat with leather and chain detailing.

a meLia paczynSki

FROM / So many places...I was born in Washington State, USA, my family is Canadian and I have spent equal time living in both countries.

3 BIGGEST GOALS / To influence the fashion industry to be more inclusive of all genders, ethnicities and body types To implement ways of making clothing less harmful to the environment

To become a successful fashion designer

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / Leather

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Casual, romantic, retro, ever-changing

FAV TIME AT BMC / Being immersed in something I am passionate about and being able to apply skills I learned at Blanche while creating my collection. The feeling of finishing my first collection was pretty great too.

@amelia.paczynski

Coutil corset with busk clasp, cotton and lace overcoat, wide legged hickory denim trousers with matching hat.

Cotton poplin colour-blocked mini dress with bouffant sleeves and buckle details.

Lavender silk-satin ruched mini dress with chain details and matching blistered satin coin purse.

p aoLa pizatto

FROM/ Brazil

3 BIGGEST GOALS /My Career, see people that I love happy and positively change people’s lives with my work.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /Silk or Linen.

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Energetic, Organic shapes, colourful, fun, elegant and sexy.

FAV TIME AT BMC /Garment Construction classes and everyone I had an opportunity to meet. Friends and teachers who will always be an inspiration to me.

@paolapizattoconcept

Satin bandeau and colour-blocked satin trousers.

Matching ribbon skirt and top set with satin a-line coat with ribbon fringe and satin graphic.

Satin colour blocked strapless dress with slit detail.

e van poweLL

FROM/ Toronto

3 BIGGEST GOALS /Continue living a creative life and spend my time doing things that are important to me, To be able to make things that bring others joy and to stay open and curious.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /For this collection Linen for sure. I used linen in every look.

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Classic, Modern, Timeless, Quality, Me

FAV TIME AT BMC /Working on our collections was the most rewarding part of the my time at BMC. The whole process was a major learning experience and being able to work with and learn from Sara who has a ton of experience and knowledge and to work one on one with her on our collections pitching ideas back and forth was a very rewarding experience and the whole collections process made me into a better designer and gave me the tools to continue to do this on my own.

@evanpowellca

Line stitched window pane button front shirt with brushed cotton trousers and lined stitched knee patches.

Check print linen sleep shirt.

Leather and linen lined vest with french terry hooded jumper and brushed cotton trousers.

e mma prior

FROM / Vancouver B.C

3 BIGGEST GOALS / To explore everything I have the opportunity to in life, to find new adventures with welcome curiosity and to stay true to me though every step.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / A light-weight, flowy metallic fabric. Gold with a teal base.

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Hippie Carefree Sparkly Dreamy Disco

@lana.luscious

FAV TIME AT BMC /Spending time with some really lovely people over the course of a whole year and getting to see people’s creativity and inspirations.

Crushed velvet jumpsuit with halter neck and colour-blocked bellbottoms.

Corseted bodysuit with box pleated ruffle trim and decorative accoutrements with organza ruched boa.

Spandex swimsuit with organza coverup and plastic starfish detail.

d eniSSe Sanchez

FROM/ Guayaquil, Ecuador

3 BIGGEST GOALS /* To inspire others to chase after their dreams * to have a successful sustainable denim brand * to explore the world with my husband and kids.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /Denim: versatile, timeless, rad.

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / eye catching, unique, chic, fun, vintage inspired to some extent.

@she.is.deenim

FAV TIME AT BMC /Learning about what i love.

Salvaged denim s-bend button down dress with matching hat.

Cotton poplin gibson girl button down with salvaged denim pencil skirt. Opposite

Salvaged denim colour block jumpsuit.

@yuriiisunnn

x ian Sun

FROM/ Shanghai, China

3 BIGGEST GOALS / 1,Being an international buyer. 2, To create a collection combine culture of “east meet west” 3, Be a custom designer

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /Jacquard DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Chic, Joyful, Meaningful

FAV TIME AT BMC /Gained Knowledge of fashion history, Pattern Making, and met so many amazing people in the school.

Lavender suede collarless jacket with funnel sleeves, floral-print jacquard crop pant with paper bag waist and woven burlap belt.

Silk asymmetrical dress with organza trim worn with brocade caplet with cotton tassel trim.

J ade tetrauLt

FROM/ Ste. Anne, Manitoba

3 BIGGEST GOALS /Enjoy , Maintain a website for selling garments, and remain

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU /Denim: versatile, timeless, rad.

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Narrow-Wale Corduroy

@neverjadedesigns

FAV TIME AT BMC /There is so much I enjoyed. Challenging my art. Hearing all the stories of how students/instructors of how they got into Fashion Design. Learning from Sara Armstrong. Attending Fashion Awareness with Ms. Peggy.

Tea stained cotton vertebrae blouse with suede loin cloth and matching boot covers.

Rust dyed taffeta arrow-head dress with mesh corset details.

Up-cycled quilted poncho with custom chemical lace top worn with laced leather scrap pants.

v aneSSa wang

FROM/ Canadian Taiwanese

3 BIGGEST GOALS

/1) Be able to travel around the world doing what I love

2) Release another fashion collection in the near future

3) start working on my own brand

FABRIC/ If I could be a fabric, I would be a pink fuzzy fur!

DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Playful, Colourful, Stylish, Dreamy, Girly

FAV TIME AT BMC /My favourite part at BMC was definitely when we started our collections near the end of the program. I learned so much from the program and was grateful for the supportive teachers and staff. They helped me pushed my limits and got me out of my comfort zone. I am truly grateful for the program!

@Milkamoon

Satin babydoll dress with faux fur trim and butterfly spaghetti straps worn with cotton poplin crop-top with ruched sleeves and teddy bear tote bag.

Boiled wool maxi-cardigan with faux fur cuffs and tulle ruffle worn with rib-knit bodysuit and denim bell bottom trousers.

Fleece mini skirt and sweater set with faux fur trim, heart appliqué and matching tote.

J ay yurchak

FROM/ Vancouver

3 BIGGEST GOALS / To have a successful brand, to have the creative freedom to make whatever comes to mind and to use the best quality fabrics.

WHAT FABRIC ARE YOU / canvas DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETICS / Green with some more green.

FAV TIME AT BMC / Being with the same great group of people everyday.

Patchwork denim boro stitch jacket with canvas sashiko stitch trouser and bullet cartridge necklace.

Indigo dye denim jacket with organic cotton tee and cotton cropped trousers.

Cotton seersucker button front shirt with cotton twill board shorts and recycled canvas tote bag.

In each graduating class, three truly remarkable students are awarded the Blanche Macdonald Centre Award for Excellence. Each recipient will receive a one-year mentorship program, access to the BMC staff and resources and a fully sponsored runway show at Vancouver Fashion Week.

Many contributing factors go into our selection process; performance, creativity, academic achievement, growth and a commitment to the craft of fashion design, to name a few. This year we had the privilege of nurturing dozens of fledgling designers, but these three sparkled so bright that they were impossible to overlook.

Showcasing at a major fashion week is a huge step into the industry, exposing each designer to countless editors, buyers and press from all around the world. For most designers it takes years and years to reach this level of professionalism but we are confident that these three ingénues will more than rise to the occasion.

Please join me in congratulating this year’s award winners: Ava Gruft, Bahar Kianpour and Jasper Cote!

AVA GRUFT

gruftava@gmail.com

The Grad Collection

The inspiration for my grad collection came from a multitude of sources, with the majority of my references coming from Feminist movements and protests throughout the 80s, as well as female artists who were very prominent at the time

BAHAR KIANPOUR

Bahar_kianpour@yahoo.com

The Grad Collection

My collection, Aleph, is about when dreams and fairytales meet reality. It’s inspired by Iranian architecture, paintings, and music. Just like an imaginary world made of my dreams and memories, favorites places. The magical world in which the sky is like Van Gogh’s starry night!

JASPER COTE

jasperjcote@gmail.com

The Grad Collection

My collection is about the marriage of streetwear and clubwear, with nods to psychedellic artwork, queer clubkid styles, and abstract colours.