Second-year students in the Fashion Marketing and Management program gathered on Thursday at Innovation Village to host another edition of ‘The Story’.
The sustainable pop-up fair happens every year in partnership with Goodwill. It features hand-selected and restyled gently used clothing and accessories. At the fair, visitors have the chance to browse over various racks with clothes that have been upcycled by Fashion Marketing and Management students. This year’s edition counted with a rustic background, relating to the nature. Stands at the venue were made from upcycled wood and materials that were going to be discarded.
‘’It’s a longstanding partnership, over 15 years. We used to do a fashion show in upcycle clothing but we switched to pop-up because that was on trend 10 years ago. I was in New York and I saw a pop-up happening and I thought: that’s what students need to learn,’’ says Debbie Trotechaud, a professor of the Fashion Marketing and Management program at Fanshawe College.
The fair is a great opportunity for students to learn how to work with the budget given by Goodwill, and look for more eco-friendly alternatives.
‘’This event is not just about giving second life to clothing. We also emphasize the story of ourselves. Each one of us has a story, no matter where you are from. That’s why the event is called ‘The Story’. Every person and every piece of clothing has a story,’’ says Jesica Manalo, a student from the Fashion program.
Trotechaud says she cherishes the partnership with Goodwill, adding that the company’s mission aligns with the one of the students: giving people the opportunity to overcome the barriers of mental health.
‘’That’s the message that we want to give. A lot of students have mental health issues, right? So, it’s about being patient and being kind. Take the take time to listen because everybody has a story.’’
All the money raised from the event goes towards a scholarship for students at Fanshawe.
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