By Jaiden Shoushounova LaSalle College Vancouver
Fashion college is a great experience so far. As a second semester student at LaSalle College Vancouver, I have some knowledge about the basics of fashion school and even some advice you may find handy along the way. I am going to share my experiences and a brief description of what courses I have taken.
First things first, fashion school is very serious work. If you’re considering going to any fashion school, be prepared for lots of hard work. Fashion is always changing, and it takes a lot of effort to keep up with the trends and reflect what is current in your assignments. The homework will not be easy, you need to love what you’re doing to achieve good results. You will spend hours working on something, but it may not turn out the way you envisioned, you might create hundreds of designs just to get the perfect 6.
It will be expensive but worth the money. Most, if not all design schools, will have a pretty high tuition but believe me when I tell you it is worth it. My specific school, and I assume most design schools as well, offer the most current equipment and industry resources that would be next to impossible to access if you weren’t a student. You can use professional websites and programs like WGSN and Adobe, which are either included or offer you a student discount! The best sewing machines, sergers, dress forms, you name it!
Networking and experience are super important in the fashion industry, you need to form strong connections with everyone you meet and what’s a better way than in college! Your instructors will have worked in the career field you’re interested in, they have the life experience and advice to help you achieve your goals! Colleges also offer a lot of opportunities to get out there and work in the field, whether you have an assignment to report at fashion week, interview a local designer, or even help a brand market! All of these will not only help you network, they will provide industry experience that could be added to your resume.
The first semester was all about the basics, without basics, you will not get very far, especially if you start with little to no experience. So I learned the basics which included the principals and elements of design, perspective for drawing, digital editing on Photoshop, colour theory, and of course, a basic fashion introduction on marketing and design we called it Survey of The Fashion Industry. After that semester/term, I started to learn about textiles, fashion illustration, the history of fashion, and more fashion marketing as it’s essential for us as designers also to understand the basics of marketing. Also, you would typically have pattern drafting and sewing classes in the first two semesters as well, but I adjusted my course load and haven’t done them yet. LaSalle College Vancouver offers a lot of student services to help you do your best and flexible scheduling is part of that. Always look at what services your school offers and take advantage them.
With that all being said, I highly encourage you to look into studying fashion as it is such an amazing experience. You will meet and work with some great people and make the best memories while gaining industry experience. I am only in my second semester and I have already learned so much. I look forward to all the opportunities the future has for me and my fellow classmates.
Proof reading and editing by Amber Rose Aiken
LCV Student Fashion Blog 