fashion august 22

8/14/2019 Fashion August 22

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The Canadian Fashion Industry

Written by

Helen Kerr

Reviewed by

Michelyn PutignanoJane Witte

Edited and Managed by

Michelyn Putignano

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July 2002

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The Fashion Industry with a Focus on Fashion in Canada

The following information has been assembled in an attempt to provide teachers of thetwo new fashion courses, Fashion and Creative Expression, and The Fashion Industry,

some resources on the Canadian fashion industry. It hits only some of the highlights, it

includes a segment about a non-Canadian event, Premiere Vision, as it and other fabricfairs play an important role in showcasing the fabrics that will be available for designers.

Questions are included with some of the topics covered to help direct discussions, as wellas, show opportunities for extending the information. A career project and evaluation

rubric are included in this package of information as well.

Photos could not be included in this resource without the consent of the designers.

Photos are not necessary to use this resource package. Some teachers may wish to have

their students access pictorial representation of the Canadian fashion industry and

perhaps share their findings with the class, teachers must be aware of copyright

infringements and laws.

Torontos Spadina Avenue - Scene of the Garment Industry

What area comes to mind when you mention garment manufacturing in Ontario? As you

can tell from the title of this segment, we are talking about Spadina Avenue. Now, well

ensconced in the geographic area known as the Greater Toronto Area, this area was once

considered to be the just off the western boundary of the town of York. The area has ahistory rich in culture and the history of garment manufacturing in Canada.

The area is home to a variety of immigrant groups. Many of these groups have madesignificant contributions to the Canadian garment industry as: importers of fabrics or

equipment; owners and operators of manufacturing facilities; skilled and unskilled

workers; garment designers; and as sellers of garments at both wholesale and retail levels.Among the well-known companies that have inhabited factory space on Spadina are The

Eaton Company and McGregor Hosiery. McGregor Hosiery was one of the early

manufacturers and still remains on Spadina in the year 2002. Perhaps this area attracted

new immigrants because of its sense of community, or perhaps it was the certainty of jobsto support a family. Whatever the reason, Spadina has welcomed diverse cultural groups

including Portuguese, Southern Asian, Greeks, Italians, Germans, Chinese, and Russians,

just to name a few.

Labour unionization occurred along Spadina on an as need basis. Much of the garment

manufacturing was paid on a piecework basis. As the workers considered the pay to beunreasonably low a variety of unions thrived. A few of the unions on record in 1928

included: The Amalgamated Clothing Workers; the Capemakers Union; the

International Ladies Garment Workers; the Fur Workers and the Industrial Union ofNeedle Trades Workers. It is important to note that not all factories were unionized at

this time. There were general strikes by the garment workers along Spadina Avenue in

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1931 and 1933. This militancy of some of the factory workers and their desire to form

unions was enough to concern some of the factory owners so much so that one unhappy

owner closed down his establishment and moved to another city. Garment workers whotraveled from Spadina Avenue to protest, picketed the new location.The new factory was

forced to close down and return to Toronto and where it reopened but not in the Spadina

area.

The Spadina area and its workers experienced growing pains as technology began to

dominate the garment industry. In 1910, a large, local manufacturer introduced a newsystem for sewing linings in by machine, this improvement in technology caused job loss

among the garment workers. This mechanization sparked an 18-week strike by the

workers to protest the loss of jobs. Labourers were brought from England to keep the

factories running. The companys workers eventually gave in and negotiated a return towork. Inevitably, jobs were lost. Some of the workers ventured out on their own, while

some found employment as contract workers for their former employer.

Although one can still see some of the original architectural features that were presentduring Spadinas hey days as a center of the garment trade, you might have to look a little

harder and travel a little farther, especially down some of the crossroad of SpadinaAvenue, to find the garment trade now. Some sources still attribute a large percentage of

garment manufacturing to Toronto, specifically the King and Spadina area.

Adapted from Spadina Avenue, by R. Donegan.

Questions

1. If one end of Spadina Avenue originates close to the lake, and the other end is

further north, where would most of the early garment factories have been located

and why?

2. a) Based on your knowledge of the history of Canada and immigration, what

other Canadian cities do you think would be known as the traditional garmentareas of Canada?

b) What factors influenced you to name these cities?

3. What part did the Hudson Bay Company play in the garment industry in Canada?

Hint: Think about the early fur traders and the Hudson Bay blanket.

Possible references for teachers and students:

Donegan, R., Spadina Avenue Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., 1985

Stephens Frings, Gini.Fashion From Concept to Consumer. 7th ed. Pearson EducationInc., New Jersey Prentice-Hall, 2002.

*Teachers and students may also want to locate an elementary school history text that

covers the fur trade and the Hudson Bay Company.

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Canadian Fashion Designers

The designers mentioned in this first segment, in most cases are internationally renowned

for a particular design innovation; it is for this reason they have been called fashion

innovators.

Alex Tilley

What is his claim to fame?

Alex Tilley is known for his Tilley Endurables, a line of active wear garments designed

and constructed to last. The company offers to replace any of their damaged garments.His first successful design was for an outdoor hat, commonly referred to as the Tilley hat.

Travelers, adventurers, golfers, and Canadian Armed Forces personnel wear Tilley hats.

What lead him to design the hat?

Unable to find and purchase a suitable hat for outdoor use, Tilley designed and made oneto suit his own specifications.

What lead to the reputation for almost indestructible garments?

Those who purchase and wear Tilley hats and other garments frequently write to Tilleyand tell anecdotes about how the garments stood up during their adventures, under

adverse conditions. One such tale was from animal trainer, Michael Hackenburger,

whose elephant stole the trainers hat, three times from his head and ate it. After the

animal expelled the hat and it was washed, the trainer resumed wearing the hat as it wasstill in good condition.

What advice has he given regarding his own success?Although admitting to not be a guru on retailing, Tilley is often known for attributing

some of the following to his own success focusing on your target market and customer

service, producing quality merchandise and marketing and promotion savvy.

Adapted from AlexTilley press package.

Linda MacPhee

What is her claim to fame?

MacPhee is a graduate of the University of Alberta. Unlike the other designers noted

here, she designs mostly for the home sewer. Developing her own patterns for parkasand mukluks was the beginning of her line of patterns and the Linda MacPhee

Workshops. Her patterns and workshops show home sewers how to use manyunconventional steps in garment construction. The workshops also treat fabrics in

untraditional manners. MacPhees ideas and patterns work and are very popular.

MacPhee uses fashion shows to markets her patterns, fabrics, notions and workshops.

Adapted from www.sewmuchfuntv.com and presentation by Linda MacPhee.

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Paula Lishman

What is her innovation?

Lishman is known for her innovative use of fur. She has spent 25 years working on theprocess of cutting fur into yarn, which is then reinforced, with a cotton core. The yarn

can be used for knitting, weaving or crocheting. A double-faced fur fabric is created one

that has fur on both the inside and the outside providing the both the soft luxury thewarmth of fur. Lishmans yarns and the garments produced from them are known and

sold internationally.

Adapted from www.paulalishmaninternational.com.

Linda Lundstrom

What is her claim to fame?

Lundstrum, a graduate of Sheridan College, is best known for her Laparka design coat.

This coat is said to pay tribute to Canadian heritage. The coat consists of an outer shell

layer of coat, which can be removed, and an inner layer of coat, which can be used

separately. The hood of the coat is trimmed with fur.

How is Lundstrum helping to foster the talents of Canadian Native and Inuit?

Lundstrum uses Native art in some of her designs. Lundstrum is the founder of the NativeAwareness Education Fund.

What other garments are in her line?

Lundstrum produces many lines of garments. She produces coordinated clothing and

accessories for the Laparka line, as well as clothing for the executive, leisurewear, cruise

wear, and special occasions.

Adapted from Linda Lundstrum press kit.

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The Canadian Fashion Design Establishment

This segment will focus on Canadian designers who have been in the Canadian fashionindustry for a number of years and have established businesses or are well known in

Canada.

Lida Baday

How did she prepare for a career in the fashion industry?

Baday was born in Hamilton, Ontario. As a young child she watched her mother work as

a custom dressmaker. She studied at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. Baday applied her

skill and knowledge in the Toronto fashion industry, where she quickly worked her wayup through positions of apprentice, assistant designer, to head designer.

How would she characterize her designs?

Baday aims for a classic, ageless quality. Badays garments are characterized by clean

lines, which are softly tailored, and with a focus on the fabric rather than embellishments.

Adapted from Lida Baday press kit.

Marilyn Brooks

What is her fashion background?

Raised and educated in Michigan, Brooks began making her own clothing early in herlife. In the early 1960s Brooks came to Canada as the display director for a company.

She later opened her own one of a kind boutique called The Unicorn. The Unicorn

boutique is no longer in existence. Brooks has several other stores, called Marilyn BrooksBoutiques, and also sells her line through numerous quality womens stores.

What are some of Brooks more memorable or notable designs?

Brooks has numerous designs for which she became known. Early in her design career,

she was known for her see through dress design, the chain bra, black satin hotpants.

During the 1970s, the vinyl jumpsuit was a noteworthy design. In the 1970s she began

designing uniforms for various businesses. Also of interest, are her town hall clock purseand birdcage purse. Brooks is quoted as saying, my designs are for people who love

comfort and have a sense of humour.

What are her other claims to fame in the Canadian fashion community?Brooks is known for her commitment to the development of the Canadian fashion

industry and has held executive positions in several organizations of fashion designers.She has received numerous awards for her work in design and dedication to the fashion

industry. Brooks has also established a reputation for supporting numerous charities

including the Parkinsons Foundation.

Adapted from www.marilynbrooks.com,Marilyn Brooks press kit and interview with Marilyn Brooks.

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Simon Chang

What were his areas of study at college?Chang, born in Canton China,moved to Vancouver where he studied graphic design,

photography and fashion merchandising, at the Vancouver College of Art.

What is the market segment for his designs?

Chang focuses on the active professional woman. Chang has also designed uniforms for

health-care professionals.

What does Chang see as the disadvantages of off shore manufacturing?

When questioned about his manufacturing, most of which is done off shore, he says when

manufacturing is done off shore, there is little to no room to makes changes and to expect

that your wishes will be accommodated.

*Note that this question has been included to show that even though designers areCanadian, the assumption cannot be made that all garments are constructed in Canada.

Teachers and students may wish to construct a chart to note the perceived advantages and

disadvantages of in-house, contract out and off shore contract out. The text Fashion from

Concept to Consumermay be of assistance with this.

What are Changs other claims to fame?

Chang is known for his philanthropic endeavors including scholarships for the study ofcreative arts and medicine, as well as, a foundation whose funds help battered women.

Adapted from Simon Chang press kit.

Sunny Choi

How did she get into the fashion business?

Korean born Sunny Choi obtained a Fine Arts Degree from Seoul National University.

After immigrating to Canada, she graduated with Honours in Communication andDesign, from the Ontario College of Art. She returned to the college to teach illustration.

She began designing for the National Ballet School of Canada . Her work with the ballet

helped her to branch into creating couture pieces for a Yorkville retailer. In 1988, she

partnered with Jack Atkin. Choi now produces her own signature line, as well as a midprice line of garments. Choisdesigns are marketed in her own stores.

How are her garments described?

Her garments and designs are known for their superior quality, attention to detail,

elegance and the use of luxurious fabrics.

Adapted from www.sunnycoi.com, Sunny Choi press kit and interview with Sunny Choi.

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Dorothy Grant

How is her background different from many of the Canadian fashion designers?

Grant is a Haida Indian raised in Alaska. She studied under the tutelage of Haida elder,

Florence Edenshaw-Davidson where she learned the history and importance of womenswork as well as the art of spruce root basket weaving. Grant produced her first garment

the Raven Creation Tunic, which is now part of Canadian Museum of Civilizations

permanent collection, before attending and graduating from the Helen Lefeaux School ofFashion in Vancouver in 1987.

What are the characteristics of Grants designs?

In some circles, Grant is known as the foremost First Nations fashion designer. Grantsdesigns focus on the traditional art of the Haida people. Her mens jackets and womens

garments, suits, dresses, capes etc., exhibit examples of the graphic themes of the First

Nations People. Grant also produces a line of ceremonial garments.

Adapted from www.dorothygrant.com and Dorothy Grant press kit.

DArcy Moses

What is his background?

Moses is a Cree Indian from Edmonton. He worked with a Vancouver designer before

moving to Toronto. During his time in Toronto Moses worked out of the Fashion

Incubator. (See note below.) He has recently moved to take up a partnership in acompany called MWG, garment manufacturers.

*Note: the Fashion Incubator is an organization whose purpose is to assist new fashiondesigners. The designers may work out of the Incubator and have access to its various

facilities such as assistance with business planning, financial accounting, cutting or

fabric, machinery for fabrication of garments and more. Since space is limited and somedesigners may have their own facilities, they may become part of the Outreach Program

and have the use the programs and equipment available through the Incubator but not

locate their office in the Fashion Incubator building.

How has Mosess background influenced his designs?

He is known for the embellishments that were influenced by aboriginal designs. He

worked in furs and leathers as well as other fabrics.He once suggested that fur is seen asan extension of his native background. Moses was known for using mainly animal

species such as muskrat, beaver and fox that overpopulated the north. He has tried to

break the image of furs as merely a sign of opulence and return to that of its practicalityfor the Canadian winter climate. His current designs are inspired by the Deh Cho

traditional embellishments, inherent to the MacKenzie Delta Region.

Adapted from www.mwgapparel.com and article on DArcy Moses.

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Peter Nygard

What is his background?

Nygard immigrated to Canada with his family when he was a child. At an early age, he

worked to help his family to make ends meet. During the 1970s, Nygard worked in theshipping department for a garment company. He later bought the company. Nygard

founded his current business Nygard International.

For what is Nygard well known?

The Nygard website states that Nygard is the foremost creator of casual elegant separates

for active women over the age of 25. Nygard has 5 major fashion design lines, which are

aimed at 3 different price points of the market segment He manufactures his lines inseveral countries throughout the world. His garment styles are sold in many major chain

stores in addition to his own line of stores. Two of his lines are named after his

daughters, Alia and Bianca.

What are his other notable accomplishments?

Nygard assisted the federal government in drafting and negotiating the North AmericanFree Trade Agreement as it applied to textiles and the manufacture of garments. Nygard

is an advocate of technology and strongly encourages his employees to use the computer

rather than paper, etc. He is an active community member supporting charities such as theBreast Cancer Foundation.

Adapted from www.nygard.com, Peter Nygard press kit and interview with Peter Nygard.

Alfred Sung

What is Sungs background?

Sung was born in Shanghai and was the eldest son of eight children. At age 17 his father

sent him to Paris to study fashion design, even though his real dream was to become anartist. Sung graduated with a first class standing from the Chambre Syndicale de la

Couture. He moved to New York after his graduation and studied at the famous Parsons

School of Design. After this second graduation Sung spent time working as an assistant

designer for a Seventh Avenue dress manufacturer in New York City. In 1972, he movedto Toronto and worked as a designer for a Spadina Avenue companybefore moving out

to form his own company. Sung later to formed a partnership with Joseph Mimran.

How are Sungs styles described?Sungs garments have been described as contemporary classics. Sung designed many

other items including: jewellery, watches, furs, coats, socks, eyewear, small leathergoods, belts and much more. Sung was not alone in the pursuit of designing other

household goods as many other designers at this time were also involved in some of these

other markets, including cosmetics and perfumes.

Adapted from Alfred Sung press kit.

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Role of Fabric Fairs in the Process of Fashion Design

Before garments are designed, the creator must have a palate with which to work. Thepalate of the fashion designer includes the fabric, its texture, colour and fabric motif. It is

at the Premiere Vision Fabric Fair where designers from many countries come to view

fabric. They attend this semi annual fabric exhibition in Paris to find out what fabrics willbe available in the wholesale market for the coming year. The fabric fair is a trade show,

which is not open to the general public. People in attendance could be overcome by the

huge display area, which encompasses approximately two very large city blocks inbuildings. Textile companies/manufacturers have display kiosks, row upon row and aisle

upon aisle, as far as the eye can see. The display is divided into two general display

categories, city - fabrics for sophisticated fashion, for city and evening wear and

casual - fabric for leisure and sportswear. Each display area is approximately the sizeof one large city block. Designers, spend their time visiting their favorite textile

manufacturers, or simply to get the feel of fabrics for the coming year.

When a designer finds textiles they like, they will ask the manufacturer for a swatch ofthe fabric. They will often obtain the rest of the particulars pertaining to the fabric.

Designers may also arrange a meeting to discuss their purchase needs when their designsare firmed up and they have a better feeling for their lines of garments for that season.

As part of the experience of the show, designers view the video presentation prepared bythe seventy experts of Premiere Visions Concertation Group. This video will give more

of the feel for the fashion predictions and interpretations for next year. This video

forecasts the social and economic mood, popular fabric colours, fabric textures and even

design lines or silhouettes. The designers return to their hotel rooms with the forecasts inmind, the swatches of the fabrics they collected and other items collected, such as twigs,

stones to remind them of the textures and mood of the fabrics; and fashion tradepublication magazines. Designers create their own interpretation of the next yearsfashions in the form of a storyboard. The storyboards are more organized than a collage

and do not include fashion silhouettes or designs. Storyboards serve to remind the

designer of what they will be working with a year from now when the fabrics arrive.Designers are working on designing for the next year. Designs are based on the findings

from professional forecasting magazines, and how their clients or market segment will

accept these trends, not just from the designers own ideas.

Not all designers are able to attend the semi annual fabric exhibition in Paris. There are

other smaller fabric fairs such as thoseheld in Lille, France; Milan, Italy; Prato, Italy;

Cernobbio, Italy; Hong Kong, China; New York, U.S.A.; and Dusseldorf, Germany.Those who do not attend a fabric fair often work out arrangements with representatives of

fabric mills or fabric distributors, to either visit their local showrooms or to have a sales

representative make a sales call in order to display their fabrics. These designers follow asimilar process once they have chosen their fabrics.

Adapted from pamphlets on Premiere Vision and the authors experience attending Premiere Vision.

Information on other fabric fairs adapted fromFashion, from Concept to Consumer.

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The Design Process and Market Research

Designers dont simply put pen and other drawing implements to paper to create thedesign that is in their heads. Designing is only one of the many important tasks in the

production of a line of garments. Many other steps and procedures must be followed

before a company invests in fabric, designing, pattern making and sizing, fabric cuttingetc. In the initial stages, the designer and the company must identify their target market,

or to whom they will be selling the finished product. The market segment is the group of

consumers to whom they are selling their line, it will be defined by: gender, male orfemale, lifestyle choices, age group as well as their socio-economic status. Once the

design team understands their market segment and they are familiar with the design

trends as forecast by the professional agencies, they can begin to predict what styles will

be popular in the coming year or two. The fabrics are chosen before the designs arecreated. Designers need adequate time to create the designs based on the fabrics available

and to produce the garments for the line. The process from the design concept to the

actual garment is long and involves much careful planning and costing.

A lot of the background research goes into the final decisions of what garments will be

manufactured. Since many designers do not own their own companies, but instead workfor others, these decisions are often not in their hands but in the hands of the owners and

the marketing department. Even those designers who do own their own companies will

turn to the marketing department for market research. The market research includes:

The buying habits of the market;

What consumers in your market are shopping for;

What the competition is offering;

How the designers products are selling and how the products of competitors are

selling;

What are the current economic conditions; What are financial experts predicting for the future;

What is happening politically and socially such events as political elections, wars

and other upheavals as they can dramatically effect consumer spending patterns;

What are the trade fashion publications or fashion services such as DominiquePeclers, TFS/ The Fashion Service, Trend Union predicting will be the popular

silhouette for the season;

What the consumer will be looking for;

What the colour services such as ICA/ International Color Authority, The Color

Box and others, are saying will be the popular colours available for colour co-

ordination;

What fabrics will be available such as those shown at fabric fairs such as

Premiere Vision or by representatives from fabric suppliers;

What consumers are already wearing and how it can evolve.

With the necessary research complete it is up to the design team to produce a line(s) of

garment sketches, select the fabric, and send each design for costing. The designspecification sheets include the fabric swatches, samples of garment details and costing

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details. These specification sheets or spec sheets are used to pull together all of the

ideas surrounding a design. Only those designs that are cost effective and suitable for the

market price point are made into samples. Once the designs have been selected the nextstep is to make the sample patterns, once again the costs are reviewed. Sample garments

are made to show the buyers for preliminary sales. It is at this point in the process that the

showings begin.The garments and outfits, which are not popular or are not ordered atthese showings are usually cut from the designers/companys line. The

designer/company will concentrate on producing only those that were cost effective and

well received as indicated by the orders placed.

The process discussed above is an abbreviated version, still more could be learned about

the making of the sample, specification sheets, digitizing, grading of patterns etc. This

brief introduction has been provided to show the complexity of the design process.Understanding all of the factors that companies and designers take into consideration

when designing, helps one to understand the many influences on our available fashion

choices. Fashion designers have very definite parameters within which they must work.

Fashion designers have been called interpreters as they interpret the mood of theirconsumer and industry and try to keep all involved enthusiastic about fashion.

Adapted fromFashion From Concept to Consumer, by Gini Stephens Frings, and this authors experience

in touring garment manufacturing facilities and interviews with fashion designers.

Questions for research and discussion

1. Research to determine the differences between fashion forecasters and

fashion services?

2. What types of trade publications or services can design teams use?

3. Speculate about how the trade publications that are used in fashion forwardcenters, might be different than those used in North America? How would you

account for these differences?

4. Place yourself in the position of being a member of a fashion forecasting team

or fashion service. What would be the most difficult part or your job? Why

do you think this would be the most difficult part?

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Support for Canadian Fashion Designers

Western Canadian Designers and Fashion Association

Networking was the buzzword of the 1980s, the Western Canadian Designers and

Fashion Association, WCDFA, has been on the leading edge of networking in theCanadian fashion industry. Founded in 1979, this association is the oldest functioning

design and fashion association in Canada. Geographically WCDFA included

professionals from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. Their aimwas to create a professional organization to benefit and reflect the talent of fashion

designers in Western Canada. The WCDFA presents n annual fashion event called the

Designer Showcase and sponsors fashion related events at western colleges anduniversities. The WCDFA is a pioneer in Canadian garment and fashion industry

networking and support of Canadian designers.

Adapted from, The History of Western Canadian Designers and Fashion Association.

Canadian Apparel Federation

This organization is an umbrella organization that has an affiliation with a number of

provincial organizations such as Apparel B. C., Manitoba Fashion Institute and others.These organizations promote upcoming events for the trade and provide a necessary link

to the government and the media.

The Canadian Apparel Federation provides information about trade; both import andexport regulations; government regulations; as well as publishing the magazine Canadian

Apparel.

Adapted from www.apparel.ca.

Matinee Limited Fashion Foundation - Financial Assistance

The domestic garment industry in Canada shrank in 1991 simultaneously there was an

increase in the Canadian market share held by fashion imports. Concern for the future ofthe Canadian design and fashion industries prompted Matinee Limited to develop a

program to assist Canadian designers of mens and womens apparel. Canadian fashion

designers who have produced collections for at least 3 years, or 6 seasons, and arepermanent Canadian residents are eligible toapply for financial assistance from the

Matinee Limited Fashion Foundation. Designers applying for funds from Matinee must

submit a business plan, which shows how they would use funds granted to them.Designers can apply for funding for a variety of projects including: fabric sourcing,

equipment purchases, and skill enhancement. The foundation also showcases the

designers and their work in popular Canadian magazines like Chatelaine and Canadian

Living.

Adapted from press kit Matinee Fashion Foundation.

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Fashion Incubator

Fashion Incubator is housed in downtown Toronto. It is the initiative of the Fashion

Industry Liaison Committee of Toronto. Fashion Incubator is a non-profit organization,

which is available for new designers to access in order to develop their business skillsand talents. For a maximum of two years, new designers may access these facilities and

assistance at minimal costs. New designers may apply to be part of a resident program

working on the premises or may work off the premises and access the facilities and

services as part of the outreach program.

Adapted from www.fashionincubator.on.ca,Fashion Incubator pamphlets and this authors interview with

Fashion Incubator personnel.

Career Activity and Assignment: A Day In The Life

The following activity and assignment can be used independent of this fashion industryresource package or could be used in conjunction with several of the component

parts of this package. The first part of this is meant as a group or class activity

to explore the job of the fashion designer. This first part is modeling the process

that students can then follow in the second activity, which is an independentcareer exploration activity.

This assignment should be completed after students havedone considerable work on thedesign process and could therefore fit in after the first unit of the profile document for

The Fashion Industry. If teachers decide to incorporate it into the unit on the Canadian

Fashion Industry, they might want to consider moving unit two, What Shapes Fashion to

become the last unit of the course and move unit three and four each forward one. Thiscould help to avoid time management problems at the end of the course.

The teacher should also note that some teachers, students and classes may need more

resources than those given in this package. For this reason it has been suggested in the

activity planning notes that teachers should compile a variety of fashion related books

and other print materials for personal and student reference purposes;

These activities comply with the course HNB4Oexpectations as follows

Overall Expectations

Identify and describe occupations in the fashion industry;

Use appropriate social science research methods in a supervised, self-directedstudy of topics related to fashion and the fashion industry;

Communicate effectively through written and audio-visual presentations, suing

accepted social science research format.

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Specific Expectations

Identify fashion-related occupations, both entry-level and those requiring

postsecondary education;

Describe postsecondary programs for careers in fashion arts, and programs that

support occupational aspirations related to the fashion field; Demonstrate an understanding of the research methods used in the fashion

industry;

Locate and access primary sources and secondary sources of information relatingto fashion and the fashion industry;

Compile the information and key ideas from their research, and the document

sources accurately, using correct forms of citation;

Effectively communicate the results of their inquiries, using a variety of methods

and forms.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Experience in small group work including skills in collaboration, cooperation, andsharing of ideas and concepts

Experience gathering information from a variety of reference materials, andpresenting to the class

Knowledge of the fashion industry, market research, garment production, salesand distribution.

Activity Planning Notes

Teachers should:

Compile a variety of fashion related books and other print materials for personal and

student reference purposes;

Book the computer lab and become familiar with accessing internet sites if using thismethod of delivery for the designer information (T/ L 3, 9);

Preview the sites mentioned in this resource package (T/L 1, 3);

Familiarize themselves with board and school policies concerning computer usage;

Prepare and copy student handouts (T/L 1, 3, 9).

Teachers Awareness

Ensure that the school policies for Internet use are followed in preparing resources for

this unit.

Ensure that board policies pertaining to copyright are followed.

Consider Special Education accommodations required, to meet the needs ofexceptional students (IEP).

Activity A Group Activity A Day In The Life

Teaching/ Learning Activities

1. Students will use their notes to complete a teacher prepared review such as acrossword puzzle or fill-in-the-blanks handout to review the design process as

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described in fashion texts or as described in part, in this package.

2. As the answers to the review sheet in T/L 1 are taken up, the teacher will list all of thetasks of the fashion designer on the blackboard.

3. Students read the career profiles of the Canadian fashion designers and discuss thesimilarities and differences

a) Identify and describe the wide variety of fashion training obtained by the

designers described.b) What factors do they seem to share?

c) In what ways are their jobs as fashion designers similar?

d) In what ways are their jobs different? (eg. market segment, price point etc.)

e) What tasks/jobs do you think are part of the responsibility of the fashiondesigner?

f) How would some of their jobs or tasks by cyclic in nature? How might their

routines vary depending on the time of year? Why? Hint: think about seasonal

groupings and lines of garments.g) Speculate on what you think the daily routine of a fashion designer might

resemble? Explain your reasoning for each activity.

4. With a partner, students will research and note, the various postsecondary the

institutions in Canada where students interested in fashion and design can obtain

training. Their findings will be shared orally with the class.

5. With the partner, students will speculate on the possible entrepreneurial opportunities

available for fashion designers. Their findings will be shared orally with the class.

6. Students will prepare a report based on questions such as the following

a) What training is suggested or recommended for those who wish to becomefashion designers?

b) Where in Ontario can students obtain this training?

c) Where else in Canada can they obtain this training?d) What skills and personality traits are needed for someone who wishes to work

as a fashion designer?

e) What sorts of job opportunities and entrepreneurial opportunities might a

fashion designer have and with what sorts of companies?f) Working with a partner, prepare a time chart for one day during the life of a

fashion designer. This designer is employed by a medium to large size company

house therefore they are a member of a department with twenty or moredesigners. The team on which they work is a much smaller group of four who

design the childrens line of clothing. The following questions are to help with

time chart for the day;

What will their day look like?

What time will they arrive at work?

What will be the first activity of the day?

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How much of the day would they work directly with the members of

their group?

What other activities would they do and how long would each activitytake?

Identify the skills and talents that would be needed for each activity or

task of the day.g) How might this day be different from others? What other tasks might they

have to do?

Sample chart

A Day In The Life Of A Fashion Designer

Time Schedule Task/ Activity Skills/ Talents Needed

7. Select two or three partners to share their findings with the class and post the time

schedules on a bulletin board.8. The teacher will review the sequence of teaching/ learning activities followed in

exploring the day in the life of the fashion designer and discuss any problems

encountered by the group; the strengths of the group in following the processoutlined.

9. The teacher will assign Activity B - Careers in Fashion A Day in the Life and

follow a similar sequence as outlined.

10. The following is a major assignment sheet that students will complete individually

during class time or as an independent research project. Class Activity A was anexercise to model the process that the students are to follow for this assignment. Now

the students will select one of the careers listed below and complete the assignmentbased on the sequence of activities explored in the previous activity.

Time schedule adapted fromDestination 2020.

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Student Activity Sheet to Accompany T/L 9

Careers in Fashion A Day In The Life

Name _______________________

Date due _____________________Date submitted ________________

Select a career related to the fashion industry. Only one student will research a career.

The careers could include

Fashion photographer

Stylist

Makeup artist

Fashion illustrator Fashion editor

Fashion forecaster

Designer assistant and apprentice

Buyer/ store purchaser

Pattern maker

Wardrobe co-ordinator

Cosmetologist

Fashion promoter

Fashion show co-ordinator

Colour forecaster Sewer

Couture

Seamstress

Cutter

Finisher

Fashion retail sales

Furrier

Visual merchandiser

Advertising designer

Other __________________

Use print and/ or electronic sources to research the career. Find answers to the following

questions

1. What training is suggested or recommended for those who wish to train for this

occupation?

2. Where in Ontario can students obtain this training?

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3. Where else in Canada can they obtain this training?

4. What skills and personality traits are needed for someone who wishes to work

in this occupation?5. What sorts of job opportunities and entrepreneurial opportunities might a

person in this occupation have and with what sorts of companies?

6. Prepare a time chart for one day during the life of a ____________________.How might the size of the company in which they work affect their job?

The following questions are to help with time chart for the day;

Is their work cyclic in nature? On what does this cycle depend? Eg.Seasons.

How might the cyclic nature of some occupations affect daily

routines?

What time will they arrive at work?

What will be the first activity of the day?

How much of the day would they work directly with the members oftheir group?

What other activities would they do and how long would each activitytake?

Identify the skills and talents that would be needed for each activity or

task of the day.

What will their day look like?

7. How might this day be different from others? What other tasks might theyhave to do?

Sample chart

A Day In The Life Of A ___________________

Time Schedule Task/ Activity Skills/ Talents Needed

Using the answers to questions 1 through 5 (inclusive) and 7, present this information in

an interesting manner in paragraph style.

Attach the daily time schedule for the career.

Using APA style, prepare a list of at least four references used in preparing thisassignment.

Compile your findings and submit for evaluation.

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Rubric for student activity - A Day in the Life of a ________________________

Category/Expectation Level 1

(50-59)

Level 2

(60-69)

Level 3

(70-79)

Level 4

(80-100)Knowledge

/Understanding

- describe post

secondary programs for

careers in fashion arts,and programs that

support occupational

aspirations related tothe fashion field

- describe post

secondary

programs and

programs thatsupport related

fashion fields

with limitedaccuracy

- describe post

secondary

programs and


fashion fields

with someaccuracy

- describe post

secondary

programs and


fashion fields

withconsiderable

accuracy

- describe post

secondary

programs and


fashion fields a

high degree ofaccuracy

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Thinking/Inquiry

- organize and interpretinformation gathered

from reliable sources,

and summarize main

points

- compile informationand key ideas from

their research, and

documents sources

accurately, usingcorrect forms of

citation

- limited use oforganizational,

interpretive

and summary

skills

- limited abilityto compile

information

and key ideas

from theirresearch and

use citation

accurately

- some use oforganizational,

interpretive

and summary

skills

- some abilityto compile

information

and key ideas

from theirresearch and

use citations

accurately

- considerableuse of

organizational,

interpretive and

summary skills

- considerableability to

compile

information and

key ideas fromtheir research

and use

citationsaccurately

- mastery oforganizational,

interpretive and

summary skills

- high degree ofability to

compile

information and

key ideas fromtheir research

and use citations

accurately

Communication- demonstrate an

understanding of the

research methods used

in the study of fashionand the fashion industry

- effectivelycommunicate the

results of their

inquiries, using a

variety of methods andforms

- demonstrates

a limited

understanding

of the researchmethods

-communicatesthe results of

their inquiries

with limited

effectiveness

- demonstrates

a some

understanding


-communicatesthe results of

their inquiries

with some

effectiveness

- demonstrates

considerable

understanding


- communicatesthe results of

their inquiries

with

considerableeffectiveness

- demonstrates a

thorough

understanding of

the researchmethods

- communicatesthe results of

their inquiries

with a high

degree ofeffectiveness

NOTE: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the

expectations for this assignment or activity.

Teachers Comments/ Next Steps:

Teacher and Student References

Davis Burns, Leslie and Nancy Bryant. The Business of Fashion: Designing,

Manufacturing and Marketing, New York: Fairchild Publications, 1997.

Donegan, R., Spadina Avenue, Douglas & McIntrye Ltd., 1985.

Glock, Ruth and Grace Kinz.Apparel Manufacturing: Sewn Product Analysis, 3

rd

ed.New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000.

Hartley, Sarah (editor). Destination 2020, Canada Career Consortium, available as a free

download at http://www.careerccc.org/resources/index_e.shtm

Stephens Frings, Gini.Fashion From Concept to Consumer, 7th ed. Pearson EducationInc., New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 2002.

Stone, Elaine.Fashion Merchandising: An Introduction. USA: McGraw-Hill Inc., 1990.

Wolfe, Mary.Fashion!, Goodheart-Willcox Co. Inc., 1997.

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Websites

www.apparel.ca

www.apparel-bc.orgwww.apparel-manitoba.org

www.batashoemuseum.ca

www.careerccc.org/resources/index_e.shtmwww.caws.ca

www.city.toronto.on.ca

www.dorothygrant.com

www.fashionincubator.on.cawww.fashionwatch.com

www.fdcc.ca

www.marilynbrooks.com

www.minimidimaxi.comwww.montrealfashionnetwork.com

www.mwgapparel.comwww.naffem.com

www.nygard.com

www.ontarioapparel.com

www.ontariofashionexhibitors.cawww.paulalishmaninternational.com

www.retailcouncil.org

www.sewmuchfuntv.comwww.strategis.ic.gc.ca

www.style.ca

www.sunnychoi.comwww.torontofashionweek.ca

www.torontofashionweek.com
http://www.caws.ca/http://www.fashionincubator.on.ca/http://www.fashionwatch.com/http://www.minimidimaxi.com/http://www.montrealfashionnetwork.com/http://www.naffem.com/http://www.ontarioapparel.com/http://www.ontariofashionexhibitors.ca/http://www.retailcouncil.org/http://www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/http://www.style.ca/http://www.torontofashionweek.ca/http://www.torontofashionweek.com/http://www.caws.ca/http://www.fashionincubator.on.ca/http://www.fashionwatch.com/http://www.minimidimaxi.com/http://www.montrealfashionnetwork.com/http://www.naffem.com/http://www.ontarioapparel.com/http://www.ontariofashionexhibitors.ca/http://www.retailcouncil.org/http://www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/http://www.style.ca/http://www.torontofashionweek.ca/http://www.torontofashionweek.com/

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