The Commerce Times

Ryerson students experience designer success

Four alumni and one current Ryerson student participated in the 2009 LG Fashion Week show, Show up and Show Love. Dana Phillips, David Chou, Sara Duke, Heidi Ackerman and Sidney Holloway showcased their collections on the runways during L’Oreal’s spring fashion week in Toronto.

The designers are all recent graduates except for Phillips, who is still a student and will be graduating this spring. The designers found their experience at Ryerson helpful. “I have to say I secretly loved everything, all the hard work they put me through,” said Duke about her years at the school.

The show had a good turnout; the seats were almost entirely filled and photographers madly flashed their cameras as models appeared on the stage. The collections took close to a year to complete and all the models were chosen and organized by Ryerson. Caitlin Taillon and Sherrill Brill coordinated the Ryerson aspect of Show Up and Show Love.

The influences for the collections came from a variety of sources. Duke’s major influence came from the book notes of Dostoevsky, a Russian piece of literature. Ackerman was intrigued by drawings and designs developed by her nephew, which she incorporated into her knitted pieces. Chou was inspired by the work of American sculptor Richard Serra.

But it’s not only Ryerson’s design students that are accumulating success in the fashion world. Shan Sarwar a journalism student at Ryerson, worked as a stylist for the Women by Women exhibit during Fashion Week. He has been busy attending shows, events, and shootings. Sarwar also collaborated with Ackerman during photo shoots for her first collection. “I’m amazed by her stuff, she’s an amazing designer!” he says. Sarwar plans to move to New York within the next two years to study at Parsons Design School.

The Ryerson fashion students plan to continue designing for their future careers. Most plan to launch their own line of clothing. Ryerson grad, Duke, is currently freelance designing and Ackerman plans to complete a Master’s Degree in fashion in either Belgium or London. “My ultimate goal is to have my own line that is successful, stays true to who I am, and is appreciated internationally,” says Chou. Sarwar plans to continue styling as well as dabble in fashion journalism. All of the aspiring designers are interested in seeking opportunities abroad.