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Fashion Scene

Olds College Fashion Institute Spring Show launches product line debut

May 7, 2019 | 11:13 AM

Calgary’s fashion scene descended upon the town of Olds over the weekend for the Olds College Fashion Institute’s Annual Spring Show Sunday night.

Hosted in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Downtown Calgary, the Spring Show is described as a celebration of the Fashion Institute academic year drawing to a close, and a showcase of the garments fashioned by students and alumni of The Fashion Institute by Olds College.

College officials say the institute’s Apparel Technology program offers two majors – Fashion Apparel and Costume Cutting & Construction.

With the instruction of expert faculty, students are said to be equipped with the industry knowledge and technical skills to turn concepts into high-end apparel for the fashion and performing arts industries.

All entries in the Spring Show were from students or alumni and selected for inclusion in the show by a jury of industry experts, and Fashion Institute faculty and staff.

This year, Spring Show organizers welcomed 9597 as the exclusive headliner of the show. The collaborative project by Fashion Institute student Stewart Schamp and alumnus Bret Stankowski showcased the duo’s debut collection at the Spring Show.

“9597 might be new to the fashion scene, but they are incredibly skilled and creative, and have a bright future,” explains BR Pirri, Campus Supervisor of The Fashion Institute by Olds College, in a press release. “We are fortunate to be hosting the launch of their first collection. 9597 is ready to make their mark on the fashion scene.”

The duo’s debut collection features two lines; a dress line that takes inspiration from classic styles from the early 1900’s, mixed with a youthful slim silhouette, and an everyday wear line that consists of unisex pieces with a mix of comfort, functionality and uncompromising style.

9597’s entire collection is hand made in Canada, with luxurious fabric sourced from New York, Italy and Vancouver.

“We are excited and honoured to be the exclusive headliners of the Spring Show,” states Stankowski. “As designers beginning our careers in the fashion industry, the support of The Fashion Institute and the Calgary fashion scene is humbling and inspirational.”

The Fashion Institute partnered with PARK, Calgary’s leaders in fashion show production for this year’s show.

(With files from Olds College)