Ryerson Fashion Week 09 - Toronto

As most of you know, I graduated from the School of Fashion at Ryerson University. I recently recieved an email from the school spammed to Fashion Alumni. Mass Exodus, along with the other presentation projects is just around the corner. My 4-year stint at university was definitely memorable as I remember sitting in the office of one professor not allowing me to fast-track my time to 2.5 years (despite taking 19 courses in 1 year). I hope the time I spent on the Faculty Committee, advising new curriculum for changes made a lasting impression that no one would endure the heartache I’d feel knowing I’d have to stay an extra year just to do a couple courses. (I could have been in Malaysia sooner!!!)

 Even though I will always have something horrible to say about a certain prof, I must say I truly enjoyed learning and breathing fashion in every way possible. My first year was a major crash course on colour/design principles and pattern-making/construction. Every year after that became a serious critical study of design/art and anything I was inspired by. Being in a creative environment with more left-handers in my class meant challenging the side of my brain that is often trying to justify my logical side. I made every point to make my university life worthwhile by geeking out with committees and trying to win every possible award (I won 2 of 3: McGregor’s Marketing Brand Project and Shiseido’s Communication Award). I’ll admit its a little bit geeky to boast about these but I made sure that my face or name would be remembered by my profs and my peers - a move that I hope will benefit me when I intend to go back to school and pursue a Masters to seek tenure at a University when I decide the ent biz will get the best of me.

I’m proud of being a Ryerson Alumni, simply because the experience was like any other, sitting through critiques and focusing and analyzing subjective work is not as easy as filling in bubble sheets and trying to memorize your buddy’s test answers. I think my school has come a long way and putting together a show with 2 other shows is even more brilliant and effective. If you have the chance to check out talent coming up in the Canadian Fashion Scene I suggest you get your tickets and learn a thing or two from fashion students.

I think Ryerson Fashion should pay me for a testimonial about this, but I’m saying it anways. I was lucky to pursue what I wanted right from the get-go. I have so many friends that have 2-3 degrees because they just did a degree their parents wanted. Sometimes its hard to go against them and its even harder to prove that the arts world is a decent living, but you have to listen to your heart and I’m so glad I did, moving thousands of miles from Vancouver to Toronto…and now to Kuala Lumpur. If there has been anything I’ve learnt along the way, it’s knowing that the only person that will benefit from my experience is ME. People along the way will recognize and want to help especially when that “will” is genuine. Everyone can see through a liar, or a social climber, or even someone who’s trying to make a quick buck. Those people never last, and it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in. I know that for a fact because I’ve had amazing angels in Kuala Lumpur so far taking me from one place to another!

Anyways, I’m always ranting about this kinda crap. Check out the website: www.ryersonfashionweek.ca****