Unbound 2024
New Narratives - Immersive Fashion Event
The UNBOUND Immersive Fashion event reveals the exquisite collections designed by Fanshawe College’s third-year fashion design students. Unbound exemplifies a synergistic collaboration, intertwining the community's support with the participation of several college programs. This immersive show features stunning runway displays, music, a catered reception, champagne carpet photos, and a chance to meet emerging designers. Attended by friends, family, locals, and industry pros, it's a showcase of creativity and talent.
New Narratives represents a departure from conventional societal constraints, encouraging self-expression and critical thinking. It’s a platform, where designers chart their unique paths, amplifying diverse voices and envisioning a more fair and sustainable future. Embracing marginalized perspectives, fostering inclusivity, and prompting a re-evaluation of history offers a chance to make mindful choices. In a synergetic dance between the creator and the machine, we reshape fashion into a force for positive change.
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Saturday, April 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The Unbound event takes place in the new, Innovation Village, Fanshawe College (London Campus), with the show in Forwell Hall, and the after-party in the Canada Life Market Square.
Appetizers and cash bar.
Tickets:
Purchase Floor Seating $55
Purchase Mezzanine Standing Room Only $35
2024 Designers
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Aeda Galbraith
I first sat down at a sewing machine 3 years ago, and have since been following inspiration through my love for colour. Colour is a source of joy and excitement, and as I’ve evolved through this program, I have further absorbed the playful energy, fearlessness, and individuality in style which is found in Harajuku fashion. When forming the foundation of my collection, my curiosity led me to design my own textile prints in order to convert them into unconventional styles. This also led me to explore the unique shapes of paint drips, which are used as a metaphor to celebrate life's unpredictability and finding one's true identity.
After spending 6 years in fashion retail, I always craved more individuality in fashion, breaking away from mainstream trends to focus more on self-expression and longevity in what I wore. In creating my collection, Come Alive Again, I knew I needed to find a way to merge all of my passions into 3 looks, which ultimately led me to make my garments reversible. This innovation merged my love for fashion, versatility, and sustainability, offering dual functionality and expressing my creative vision with practicality, style, and eco-consciousness.
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Ankita Singh
I'm Ankita, a devoted designer, and my creative journey is deeply entwined with the mesmerizing wonders of nature. My collection, Impression, serves as a canvas for the intricate tales written in fingerprints, the fossilized whispers of endangered species, and the timeless age rings of trees. I believe that every facet of nature imparts a distinctive mark, and it's this essence I seek to capture and celebrate in my designs.
In a dedicated commitment to preserving the essence of traditional crafts, I skillfully integrate the ancient art of shibori into my creations. Collaborating closely with skilled artisans, whose families have cultivated a rich heritage in this craft, I infuse a contemporary flair into tradition, breathing new life into its age-old beauty. The fabrics adorning my collection hail from the vibrant landscapes of Gujarat, India, dyed naturally to deepen their connection with the environment.
Impression isn't merely a collection; it stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of nature, craftsmanship, and modern design. Each piece invites individuals to wear not just clothing, but a piece of art—a story of preservation and connection to the intricate dance between the human touch and the timeless imprints of the natural world.
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Biz Clarkson
Somewhere between Beatrix Potter and Bram Stoker lies the folk horror-inspired Hedgewalker. Inspired by ominous tales whispered through generations, Hedgewalker emerges as a visual narrative, weaving together threads of superstition and ancestral fears.
In addition to folk horror, Hedgewalker largely takes inspiration from my love of history and historical fashion and how historical elements can be used in a modern way. I used natural materials as much as possible for Hedgewalker; linen fabrics, deadstock leather, even making my own wooden buttons from the old apple trees that grow in my mum’s backyard. The apple tree branch is a motif seen throughout the collection in both laser-cut and embroidery details, growing as the main character of my collection in power as ancient as the roots of the gnarled trees that populate nightmares. My childhood growing up in the Blue Mountains area surrounded by rich nature continues to inspire me and my designs.
The collection unfolds like a spectral journey, with garments that echo the rustling of unseen spirits and echo the ghostly hymns of forgotten traditions. Each garment tells the chilling story of a little girl coming into her power. My designs immerse wearers in a world where the line between the tangible and the supernatural blurs, embracing the beauty within the eerie. As you don these pieces, you become part of a narrative that transcends time and echoes the haunting melodies of folk horror. At its core, Hedgewalker represents wanting to live by your own rules on the fringes of society and in harmony with nature. A hedgewalker blurs the line between the physical and spiritual worlds and becomes the thing in the woods.
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Eden Badia
I am a visionary fashion designer recognized for my captivating collection that effortlessly combines the art of fabric draping with an undeniable sense of sexiness. With meticulous attention to detail, I have crafted a distinctive aesthetic that celebrates the beauty and sensuality of the human form. My innovative designs showcase the power of fabric manipulation, creating garments that effortlessly drape and flow around the body, accentuating curves and evoking a feeling of effortless allure.
Each piece in my collection tells a story through its sensual silhouettes and intricate drapery techniques. From ethereal evening gowns to sleek cocktail dresses, my creations exude confidence and sophistication. The use of luxurious fabrics like chiffon, adds to the overall allure, enhancing the fluidity and movement of each garment. Bold cuts, strategic pleating, and unexpected twists on classic designs create a harmonious balance between elegance and seduction.
In words, "Fashion is not just about what you wear; it's about how it makes you feel. My collection aims to empower individuals by embracing their natural beauty and expressing their inner sensuality through carefully crafted draping techniques." With this philosophy at the core of my creative process, I continue to push boundaries in the world of fashion design, leaving an indelible mark on runways worldwide.
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Elise Peckart
I’ve always felt I could find beauty in something even if it wasn’t fully formed; the journey and story is what makes it beautiful. Chrysalis serves as an exploration of the intricate balance between fragility and beauty, mirroring the journey of a non-binary person navigating the need for self-protection and dignity in their identity.
The collection delves into the introspective thoughts of a non-binary individual presenting femininely, grappling with the persistent challenge of being perceived as solely a woman due to choices such as makeup and dresses. The narrative unfolds through the metaphor of metamorphosis, reflecting on the phases of life and the inherent beauty each stage possesses, even if it may not fully capture one's ultimate potential.
Since I have always valued craftsman and artisanship I started by drafting everything by hand. I wanted my collection to have that life in it that a machine can’t replicate. This collection features fabrics that were dyed by myself with the help of my family. It features a beautiful laser cut pattern to illustrate how in the end, the butterfly has found its people and community.
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Erin Riley Cummins
I approach my creative designs as a form of art, innovatively integrating form and function into creative compositions. My signature style constantly expands to seamlessly weave tradition and modernity. Most of my inspiration was embraced from contemporary visual art. Expressing my interpretation of current trends subliminally through the interplay of diverse silhouettes, textures, colours, and independent sustainability focuses. I envision a future where fashion is not only a means of self-expression, but continually challenges conventional practices while preserving traditional values.
with good luck*** is a collection based on nostalgia, and how I felt as a child, utilising elements that are wistful, fragile and beautiful in unique ways that are significant to me. The collection is inspired by various artworks, music, colours, fabrics, and feelings that provoke sentient emotional warmth. I’ve worked to transform this perspective into something that makes sense for our current time and have innovated my designs in line with sustainability and modernity. My muse for this with good luck*** has explored and bonded my perception of the complex parallels between girlhood and womanhood.
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Josie Farr
After pursuing a degree in psychology at Lakehead University, I found myself at a crossroads, realizing that psychology wasn't what I really wanted to do with my life. It was during this introspective journey that I made the decision to pivot towards fashion—a realm where I could manifest my creativity and bring to life the garments I had long envisioned but struggled to find.
As a passionate third-year fashion design student, I am honoured to unveil my capstone collection, "Queen of the Night." This collection of three exquisitely crafted eveningwear gowns embodies the essence of allure, power, and sensuality. Each gown, meticulously designed with bold yet daring silhouettes, is a testament to the strength and elegance of the modern woman.
Crafted exclusively in luxurious black satin and velvet, my designs draw inspiration from the captivating beauty of the night sky. Like the stars that adorn the darkness, each gown is intended to envelop the wearer in an aura of mystique and glamour, empowering her to shine with celestial radiance.
Utilizing innovative techniques such as 3D print technology and CLO 3D simulations, I breathed life into my creations, infusing them with a contemporary edge while retaining a timeless allure. "Queen of the Night" is more than just a collection; it's a statement—an invitation for the wearer to embrace her inner queen, exuding confidence, power, and undeniable allure with every step she takes.
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Larissa Shaw
I’m Larissa! A visionary fashion designer driven by a profound love for unique textiles and diverse perspectives. My journey led me to the creation of Haunting Elegance, a spellbinding women’s eveningwear collection born from the vibrant energy of a metal show. Intrigued by the captivating energy of male metal band members, I seamlessly melded their edgy allure with feminine mystique.
Fueled by my passion for music and my deeply personal connection with the theme of mortality, Haunting Elegance is more than a collection; it’s a delicate dance between elegant and edgy, light and dark, joy and despair. Each garment tells a story of contrast, embodying the dichotomy of life’s vivid experiences.
Beyond the aesthetics, my commitment to animal welfare sparked the innovative use of cactus leather, crafted from the resilient Nopal cactus in Mexico. Featured predominantly in Haunting Elegance, this eco-conscious decision reflects my dedication to sustainable practices and the exploration of alternatives to the use of animal products in the fashion industry.
As a designer my purpose extends beyond the runway, weaving a narrative that resonates with those who appreciate the haunting beauty found within the edgy side of elegance.
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Lauren Bailey
In a world that vies for our attention Over it! aims to be the visual diary of individuality. This collection is comprised of pieces crafted with the intent of longevity and abundance of choice. Each garment challenges conformity and is an exploration of self-expression through fashion + art, amidst a culture of over consumption and overstimulation.
I've transformed simple staples and turned them into cool, comfortable and non-conforming garments. This season-less, gender-less elevated streetwear collection shows the ever-changing realities and facets of the ones wearing it.
Over it! Is a combination of everything that got me to where I am right now. I couldn’t decide what to make, so I decided to make everything I ever wanted. This collection is for the inbetweens, the burnouts, the dropouts, the almost famous. The ones who find themselves in a post-pandemic world unsure of where the lines ever were. It feels like we can be anything we want to be; but the world is dying, I have to choose something to wear, and I'm so Over It!
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Lisa Bailey
The delight that comes from creating fashion has always been a part of my life, even before I learned to sew. There were a lot of old-school paper dolls, fashion art sets, and virtual dress-up games that were childhood favourites.
But, I’ve also grown up into a body that the fashion industry considers “extended sized”. Fashion has often felt like a closed door for me; a space where people in my size cohort are an afterthought at best, but more often, one where we are totally excluded. It was intimidating to follow through on my desire to become a fashion designer, knowing that the wider fashion industry still has challenges with embracing the worth and beauty in investing in fashion for all types of bodies. However, I want to be part of the shift towards inclusive, ethical, and sustainable fashion design.
Luminous Dance is my exploration of the joy that arises from finally becoming both part of an ethereal world, as well as beauty that comes from being a distinct entity within it. I became inspired by a student-produced animated short called “Fox Fires” from the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Scotland. It is the students’ take on the Finnish folk tale about the source of “Revontulet”, the Finnish word for the Aurora Borealis. “Fox Fires” shows how the titular fox feels left out at being unable to light up the sky as a starry constellation alongside other chosen forest animals. It is encouraged by the moon spirit to light up the sky in another way and, with the help of fireflies, the fox becomes the gorgeous Aurora Borealis.
Like the Revontulet, Luminous Dance is meant to capture the triumph of shining your own distinct beauty across the world, with bright flashes of contrast satin and organza framing the wearer’s body in harmony with the body-hugging, ebony, scuba knit evening wear garments.
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Natalia Jimenez
I am Natalia Jimenez, from Medellin, Colombia, Living in Canada for more than 12 years. Single mother of four. My passion for fashion design has been my creative refuge and my tool to inspire female empowerment.
As a survivor and victim of domestic violence, I have turned my experience into a source of strength. My daily struggle is not only for myself, but to raise awareness among other women about the importance of facing and seeking help in the face of gender-based violence and especially the social impact it has on our mental health and that of our loved ones.
I firmly believe that women need to feel empowered and safe to survive in a world full of inequality and inequity. My mission is to inspire other women to understand that they are not alone, that there are resources available to take control of their lives, become stronger and achieve success.
My inspiration is the phoenix and the warriors of history who dressed in armour to fight. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, I want women to transform into strong and empowered beings, fighting the battle against the world and social stigmas.
My collection focuses on inclusivity and sustainability. Each garment seeks to enhance the beauty of any body type. I opted to use previously used leather scraps and sequins. These elements, after washing and painting, become unique pieces adding a distinctive touch to my creations. Also integrating laser cutting technology to avoid paper waste in the creation of patterns. Not only does this approach minimize the environmental impact associated with using unsustainable paper and fabrics, but it also highlights my dedication to adopting more sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
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Rawia Kabbesh
I am a third-year graduate fashion designer with a fervent passion for sustainable fashion. At the heart of my creative journey is "Layla," a collection of emotions that narrates the poignant tale of yearning for one's homeland.
One of the concepts that Layla stands for is utilizing cutting-edge CLO 3D software to ensure precision in crafting, aligning seamlessly with my dedication to eco-friendly practices. In my world, 3D virtual sampling and alternative textiles aren't just trends – they're a step towards a circular fashion economy.
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for me; it's the essence of my designs. "Layla" showcases the use of natural fabrics like silk chiffon, silk taffeta, and silk, and uses attachable pieces that can be coordinated with other clothes seamlessly blending contemporary elegance with the richness of my cultural roots.
It's all about the details. Laser-cut embellishments, delicate embroidery, and meticulous beading adorn each garment, echoing the grace found in my heritage.
"Layla" is a testament to my vision – a harmonious fusion of art, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to a more eco-conscious future in the world of fashion. Join me on this transformative journey!
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Sherry Le
Aquamist draws inspiration from the ethereal beauty of misty landscapes and the serene embrace of water, evoking a sense of tranquility and harmony. This ethos is seamlessly woven into the fabric of each garment, marrying the elegance of traditional Asian attire with a contemporary aesthetic. Every piece in the collection is meticulously crafted, with designs conceptualized and refined using cutting-edge technology like CLO3D before being brought to life in luxurious, sustainable fabrics.
At the heart of Aquamist’s philosophy lies a deep commitment to sustainability. By prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials and employing conscientious construction techniques, Aquamist strives to minimize its environmental footprint while ensuring the longevity and durability of its creations. From sumptuously soft fabrics to impeccably tailored silhouettes, each garment exudes a timeless sophistication that transcends fleeting trends.
Aquamist celebrates the rich heritage of Asian craftsmanship while embracing innovation and a mindful approach to fashion. It offers a fresh perspective on traditional elements, inviting wearers to embark on a
journey of sartorial discovery where heritage meets modernity in perfect harmony.
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