Fanshawe College students in the Fashion Marketing and Management program transformed Canada Life Village Square into a Parisian-themed boutique on Thursday for the program’s annual sustainable pop-up shop, known as The Story. The event is part of a long-standing collaboration with Goodwill Industries, which provides funding for students to purchase second-hand clothing for the project.
Throughout the fall semester, students worked on every stage of the pop-up, selecting clothing, planning displays, organizing merchandise, managing inventory and building a social media campaign. While only a small number of items were reworked or upcycled, students curated most of the collection to create a cohesive shopping experience that reflects real retail standards.
Professor Deb Trotechaud, who teaches in the program and has partnered with Goodwill for more than 15 years, says the pop-up is designed to give students hands-on learning that mirrors the fashion and retail industries.
“Students hand-select pieces and some are upcycled or restyled,” Trotechaud said. “Everything sold today goes back into award scholarships for students. It shows them how second-hand items can be made more interesting and how small changes can add value.”
The Parisian theme influenced much of the décor, display choices and styling. Along with clothing, students selected accessories and hard goods from Goodwill that fit the aesthetic. The event featured menswear, children’s wear, and graphic pieces with student-made silk-screening. Handmade upcycled items, including denim bags created by students, were also part of this year’s collection.
Second-year student Sophie Fortse, who worked on the social media team, says seeing the final result after months of preparation was one of the most rewarding parts of the project.
“We’ve been working on this since the start of the semester,” she said. “It taught us how to style pieces, curate for different body types, and bring an entire event together. Seeing it finally come to life is really exciting.”
Fortse says the project helped students understand the amount of planning and behind-the-scenes coordination needed to execute a retail event, experience she believes will directly support her career in the fashion and marketing industries.
Proceeds from The Story support the Community Impact Award, which is presented annually to a student in the program who demonstrates leadership and contributes positively to the classroom environment.
The event continues to highlight the value of sustainable fashion while giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
