Behind-the-scenes at the biggest fashion show in New Brunswick

Last Saturday night I had the privilege of attending the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design's annual fashion show. Every year since 1998, the college has been showcasing the talent from the students in its fashion department and the show just keeps getting better and better and bigger and bigger. The local fashion industry is small but tenacious and with most local designers claiming alumni status from NBCCD it's clear the college is at its epicenter. Shows like this one are important because they elevate the work of the designers to a level where they will be ready to compete on the world stage. The graduating class worked all year putting together their fashion lines, each completely different and unique including 50's glam, menswear, plus size and a children's line. The pieces shown were incredibly imaginative, made with top-quality tailoring and  presented with a dash of showmanship. One of my favourites was the circus tent dress. (See below)

As an advocate and lover of locally made fashion I was really excited to see this show, and even more so to be given a media pass to get in backstage! I was able to go to the dressing rooms (after everyone was dressed, don't worry) and take photos and talk to designers and models about their experience.

(All photos are mine unless otherwise specified)

Behind the scenes

Thanks Chris Griffiths for the photo! (bangonphoto.com)

Kayleigh Saad, a NBCCD fashion alumni, has participated in the annual fashion show in one way or another for the past 10 years. Whether it be showing some of her own designs, pitching in with hair and makeup, or modeling as she was this time, it's a night she wouldn't miss.

"It's my favourite night of the year" - Kayleigh Saad

The show

The show was made up of NBCCD alumni who showed some of their current work, a plaid contest by first year students, and full fashion lines by each senior fashion student. It was clear that hours and hours of hard work went into this show and it was a real professional affair. MC Marcus Kingston did a great job and with the music and packed house you'd think it was fashion week in NYC! I took too many photos to share here, but thought I'd pull out some highlights. Here they are!

Olivia Barlow-Burke, fashion student and designer of a line called Confident Curves, came to the fashion program without knowing how to sew. She just knew she wanted to make beautiful clothes for the under-represented plus sized shape. Olivia showed some stunning designs on the runway, my favourite (maybe of the whole night!) was a piece with a skirt of peacock feathers. The movement as the model walked down the runway was exquisite.

Emma Johnson is a designer who is inspired by costume and fantasy. She came up with her circus-inspired collection "Beyond the Big Top" and it really seemed like the show was going to take a whole new direction... maybe some elephants??

Michaela Von Fwayla is a vintage-inspired designer who loves wing-tipped cars and full skirts. She had some lovely pieces and a lot of variety. I love this shot I got of one of her dresses. Let's go dancing!

Laura Craik designed a children's line called Forgotten Faerytale inspired by, you guessed it, fairy tales. Her whimsical designs with billowing flowery dresses and tailored jackets are a dream come true for any child.

Nicole Daigle 's line Measure of Motion is inspired by her love of classical literature and history, featuring long gown and pieces influenced by traditional European costumes.

Sten Gouchie is a designer who is inspired by nature. Originally from Grande-Digue, her line Force of Nature is inspired by childhood relics found in nature.

Stephane Cormier is a menswear designer who showed some really well-made pieces that showed originality in a collection inspired by cocktails, "Gin Fizz".

For more photos, check out artist/photographer Michael Khoury's FB album"Anatomy of a fashion show"

But wait, there's more...

One reason why I was so pumped about this show was the opportunity to network with people in the fashion industry. Becaaaaause... I have big plans for a fashion issue in the fall. Right now I'm still working on Issue #5 but will soon put out a cal for submissions for Issue #6: the Fashion Issue.

So stay tuned...