iDress – Back to School

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31January2012

Here at the Academy of Design, we’ve just started our Winter term. While the cold, wet, windy weather may make some want to hibernate, we fashion students don’t let what’s outside dampen our spirits! These past few weeks have a been a flurry (what an apt word for the season) of differing styles. The way we combat less-than-ideal weather is by wearing our favourite pieces, even if they happen to be denim shorts – we will make it work.

-Hallae

I am currently a Term 4 student studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Academy of Design.  I love: black, studs, enormous sunglasses, platform sneakers, excessive layers, and length.

Follow me on Twitter: @hallaek

Check out my Blog: http://i-wear-black.com

Interested in studying Fashion Design or Fashion Marketing & Merchandising at the Academy of Design? Visit http://www.aodt.ca or call 1-866-467-0661 for more information

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Video Game Student Spotlight: Kyle Beck

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17January2012

In the past we interviewed several Video Game Design & Development graduates who were great project leaders, creative designers, and artists. However for this interview, we are featuring a student who chose the programming side of Video Games. Kyle Beck also worked on games such as Nightmare, and The Fly (we featured these games in previous posts), doing behind-the-scenes work such as programming the AI.

If you are thinking about focusing on the programming side of Video Games, then read on for Kyle’s assessment of the program!

Can you give us an introductory explanation of what the Video Game programming stream entails?
Programming is the back end of video games and what makes it work behind all the visual elements. Programmers are in charge of AI, the way the environment behaves, physics, how things interact etc. It’s the side of video games that is often overlooked unless there’s a glitch and something goes wrong.

What made you decide to go into Video Game programming?
I always had an interest in programming, and I liked video games. I had really high marks in programming, math and physics in high school. That made this program pretty easy for me at the beginning.

I also chose programming because it’s easier to get a job in development than design. The Academy program also taught us project management, and business skills which I find to be valuable skills.

What made you choose to study at the Academy of Design?
A representative of the Academy came to my high school and did a presentation in class. I filled out one of those interest cards, and decided to check the school out. I liked the curriculum and the idea of learning at a faster pace seemed more effective to me. I have a few friends who did Computer Science in big universities, but came to the Academy because it was more specialized. Yes, you can probably get by with a general knowledge of programming in the industry, but there are a lot of specific things about video game programming that just isn’t taught in a general computer science program. That’s what appealed to me.

What was your favourite course and your least-favourite?
I really liked 3D programming and the audio classes. On top of programming, I’m also interested in video game audio so I enjoyed those classes a lot. In 3D programming and engine design you get to decide how the game is translated visually and how the physics work.

My least favourite class was modeling. I found it difficult because I’m not very artistic.

Did you have any favourite instructors?
David Logan and Ramone were very understanding and thorough. They would stay after class to help tutor people, and they were always accessible online if we ever had questions.

One of my fondest memories was playing halo with teachers. It would be 16 of us against the teacher and we all lost.

Anything else about the program you’d like to add?
It is a heavy workload, which some people can handle and some people can’t. The way the program is set up prepares you for realistic conditions of the industry. I can appreciate that.

So what does the future hold for you?
It would be great to work for Square Enix or THQ one day. I’ve thought about developing some small mobile and online games.

Any advice for future students looking to enroll in the program?
Take a programming course or do free online tutorials to prime you for the workload ahead. My prior knowledge of programming made it much easier for me to keep up with the workload since I didn’t have that initial barrier of not understanding the first term course material. If you have a firm grasp of the basics, then you can be more concerned with the application of the programming language to do what you want it to do.

Those of you in high school, pay attention and do well in computer science, math, and physics. It will pay off.

Attendance is also very important. If you miss a few days of classes, then you run the risk of falling behind. It is a condensed schedule so the work will keep coming to keep you busy.

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Fashion Alumni Spotlight: Jason Meyers

Posted by admin in Alumni, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, People | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment
25November2011

Jason Meyers is an accomplished Canadian designer having been singled out by Fashion Television as “One to Watch” right out of school and making it to the top three in Season 2 of Canada’s Project Runway. But the best part? Jason Meyers is also an Academy of Design alumni so I had the privilege to interview him at his studio last week.

Jason Meyers in his studio

How did your education at the Academy of Design prepare you for working in the industry?

Well, the instructors there are supportive even now, but for me going to the Academy was a conscious decision – I needed to learn how to make clothes. When I went to the Academy I left my first career as a financial advisor. I wanted to make clothes and the best school in the shortest amount of time was the Academy and they equipped me with the tools I now have to make clothing. But in the end you need to go out, learn the industry, the markets – all that.

In what ways do the Academy instructors continue to support you?

I have a relationship with a couple of the instructors: if I need interns, or they come to shows for support and that’s great. For me the design program was just to learn to make clothes and I had to do that to get my business off the ground and for that it was amazing. But there was one instructor there named Ron Catahan, he was the best instructor ever. He’s not with us anymore unfortunately, but he was amazing – he was a really important piece to me in moving forward and he was very supportive. The instructors believe in you and just try to show you the way, and it’s always good coming from a school where they’re industry professionals rather than just ‘teachers’, so they give a lot of experience in terms of their past knowledge.

What is the job market like out there for grads of the fashion programs?

Tough, really tough, and it’s tough being Canadian. With my brand I’ve always designed higher end clothing, like dresses for extravagant events, but I’m rebranding my collection now to be more wearable and street; still high-end but more everyday and that’s important, that’s a whole learning process. You go to school and it’s like, ‘This is amazing, I’m making clothes.’ But then you come out of it and you need to figure out where the market is, who’s going to buy what – I’m trying to drop my price point and keep the quality. And I mean that’s directly related to what H&M’ and Forever 21 are doing, you can buy a dress for $30, but you’re only going to wear it once. As a designer you have to make the price more feasible for the general public.

How did you make the jump from finance to fashion?

I grew up in Hamilton, and when I was going to high school there was only Home Ec. I just grew up during a time when it didn’t seem like you could do it. I always loved fashion. I had a tailor since I was 16 making clothes for clubs and all the rest of it; me and a couple buddies, we’d go buy fabric, like leopard print and the tailor would make us bell bottom pants. And then I grew up and started following the Canadian scene and I felt like ‘I could do this’ and I would love to do it, so I needed to figure out where I can go and get taught this. Because my mind’s there, I just didn’t know how to do it.

A part of Jason's studio

Were your parents and family supportive of your career move?

They were, and still are very supportive. They knew I was always into fashion and a trendsetter, but never thought I could just make the trend. Right now I’m making my sister’s wedding dress and I make custom pieces for my mum. And my grandma has worn Jason Meyers since the day I started. She’s in her early 70s and she’s got a great figure so it’s good for me because I can promote it like ’18-year-olds can wear it and so can 70-year-olds’.

Who is the ultimate Jason Meyers woman?

I think when I came out of school I made it for this ideal Jason Meyers woman and it was more of a vision, but now it’s grown into the Jason Meyers woman is the one I’m out in the industry with so that’s the difference between designing for vision and real life. Real life makes it more marketable, it’s a reality; so my girlfriend Brianne is my muse right now. She’s super stylish and we’re both out in the industry now and growing up even more. So instead of a ‘vision’ it’s who I am, what I’m doing and where I am.

So ‘where’ are you right now?

Right now to me it’s about finding your niche, and I think every designer has to do that: find out exactly who they are as a person and as a designer. I want to have pieces that you can wear more often than once. If I make someone a custom piece, they’re beautiful, but that woman is only going to wear it once; she’s going to wear the dress to that event and that’s it. It would be an outstanding piece, but what I want to get into now is something that you can come here and interview me wearing. That piece is going to be worn more and be at a lower price point and in turn gives me the opportunity to make more numbers.

Sounds like there are big changes ahead?

Well, I’m rebranding so I’m going to do a media launch – that’s kind of the first time I’ve said that – but it’s going to be a renamed clothing line by Jason Meyers, because Jason Meyers has always been about the structure, the high-end. But I’m really going to focus on the new brand, and the high-end stuff is now all custom, but the brand now that’s going to sell units will be the new diffused high end street wear line.

Is the Jason Meyers’ woman for this rebranded line still the same?

She’s the same woman, but she’s the one saying ‘Why are not you making this stuff for me?’ She’s the woman who wants to wear Jason Meyers to the studio or the office, and not have to wear something super extravagant.

Visit Jason’s website to see his collection, or to get in touch with him for a custom-made outfit for that special event that’s coming up:

http://www.jasonmeyers.net/

-Hallae

I am currently a Term 4 student studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Academy of Design.  I love: black, studs, enormous sunglasses, platform sneakers, excessive layers, and length.

Follow me on Twitter: @hallaek

Check out my Blog: http://i-wear-black.com

Interested in studying Fashion Design or Fashion Marketing & Merchandising at the Academy of Design? Visit http://www.aodt.ca or call 1-866-467-0661 for more information

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iDress for the Academy Fall 2011

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8November2011

Fall is certainly underway and there’s no question that we’re already starting to cover up. I know when I roll out of bed these mornings there’s a little voice in my head saying “just wear long-underwear” and I’m telling you – he will win me over one day. So when I go to school and see my fellow students and professors working it like the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, well I can’t help but be inspired by them. Then I ask for a picture.

A ‘How-To’ if you want to keep the Hallowe’en spirit without wearing a costume or sacrifice style. The metallic Doc Marten’s juxtaposed to the black and orange colour-block socks is a match I would’ve never thought of, but I guess that’s why we have profs like this. Then when they just know to put their orange briefcase by their foot to pose with…well, that’s a pro.


You can never go wrong with a striking white dress, and from the cut to the fit this one certainly hits all the right notes. Her fierce fall-ready boots tell us she knows it’s fall, but the summery cut of the dress hints at her playful spirit. Seeing the dress in class made me want to go dancing! After class, though.


It’s chilly in the mornings, especially with 8am classes, and this is definitely a better alternative to long johns (take note, self). Playing with different neutral furs is genius, and I love the slouchy high boot. The look is simple and casual, but still cozy while on-trend.

Some people have all the luck; those boots, that jumper, the pose. Did I mention we have 8am classes? This is a great way to transition a summer piece into fall with slimming black knit tights and patent high-heeled boots. Adding some shimmer with a single bracelet just completes the look (and you should’ve seen her coat, too!)

 

-Hallae

I am currently a Term 4 student studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Academy of Design.  I love: black, studs, enormous sunglasses, platform sneakers, excessive layers, and length.

Follow me on Twitter: @hallaek

Check out my Blog: http://i-wear-black.com

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Toronto Fashion Week 2011 – Mercedes Benz Start-Up

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20October2011

We sent our fashion intern, Hallae, to the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Runway Show at the October LG Fashion Week in Toronto. Read about her honest thoughts and assessments of the designs that were sent down the runway by up and coming Canadian designers. Agree or disagree? Sound off in the comments!

I was lucky enough to be present for the Mercedes-Benz Start Up show this past Wednesday, October 18 and I couldn’t help but feel as though I had witnessed history. This past summer IMG Fashion and Mercedes-Benz began the search for up and coming Canadian designers with the culmination showcasing five finalists before a panel of judges during fashion week. The panel was comprised of fashion industry pros like Robin Kay and Jessica Stam.

The show introduced each design house in a video where they would talk a bit about their line and brand, followed by models sporting their stuff down the runway with the winner announced by Stam at the end. The five finalists clearly distinguished themselves from each other as each line looked vastly different from the next. From flowing, draped fabric, to a denim line these Canadian finalists covered all the bases.

The first to show was UNTITLD led by José Manuel St-Jacques and Simon Bélanger and they described their spring line as “The freedom to redefine yourself everyday.” The pair then went off on a tangent describing all that their line incorporated: “It’s matte, it’s deconstructed, it’s mesh…” – it’s everything.

As the first designer to start the show I have to admit I wasn’t blown away, but I did enjoy the simple sexuality the clothing exudes. And if the current trends are telling us anything, it’s that you can’t go wrong with see-through clothing.

Next up was Triarchy by Adam Taubenfligel who wants us to see his line as “One adventure to the next in style.” He hinted at a more “rock n’ roll” vibe to his collection, which was debatable once the models emerged.

Triarchy was mainly denim (and nudity) which incited a tweet from me questioning what little thought constitutes a design. The Mercedes-Benz Start Up is the time to showcase one’s talent and creativity, and I found that Triarchy fell flat.

The third to show was designer Cassie Dee where “tailoring meets western Canadiana” which incited quite different visuals in my mind’s eye than what was shown in actuality.

While Dee certainly showed off her tailoring skills, and was the first to do so during the show, I felt the same disconnect between the idea and the execution. The designs were great for spring, but the same push was lacking in a competition to find the next big Canadian fashion designer.

The fourth and my personal favourite was Travis Taddeo who described his line as a “girl and guy looking for a summer adventure”. The simplicity of the description was the first to fit the mood of the line.

I suppose it’s no surprise that Taddeo was the proclaimed winner in my heart as I witnessed a live-tweet during the show predicting that all the Bloor Street girls will be wearing his flowing mesh, jagged feathers, and sleek leather this coming spring – I’m with them. Taddeo was the most on-current-trend of the designers, which may be considered playing it safe, but after the previous showings Taddeo’s line was much appreciated by all.

Lastly was Martin Lim, made up of Martin and Lim: an adorable designing couple. Martin Lim aims to “express the joys of travel” with this line and also wanted to exude optimism.

The pastel colours with the relaxed fits were a literal meeting of optimism and travel, yet I still felt the same lack of “wow-factor” that had been dragging throughout the show. I kept hoping for more in terms of originality, sewing and tailoring, and vision; and having read reviews I wasn’t the only spectator that felt the show had fallen short.

I had my fingers crossed for Travis Taddeo when Jessica Stam came to announce the winner, but the coveted prize went to Martin Lim. I was admittedly shocked thinking Taddeo was a shoe-in, but the couple’s acceptance speech certainly warmed my heart, and based on the enormous grins on the models behind them – I wasn’t the only one.

Here are some of my photos, but unfortunately I was sitting off to the side, so thanks to Toronto Life for wonderful photos from the front.

-Hallae

I am currently a Term 4 student studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Academy of Design.  I love: black, studs, enormous sunglasses, platform sneakers, excessive layers, and length.

Follow me on Twitter: @hallaek

Check out my Blog: http://i-wear-black.com

 

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Fall’s Thrifty Trendy Touches – Part IV

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14October2011

If you weren’t with me in regards to the first three trends I showcased then I think now may be your time: blue. Who doesn’t like blue? It’s the colour of the sky, water, and promotes peacefulness (and no one can argue with peace). Well this fall you can keep the peace and incite thoughts of nature all the while being extremely on-trend. I realize I may be selling blue a bit hard, and perhaps I’m a bit biased; it is my favourite colour after all, so be nice!

I’m blue (daba de-daba di).

Blue, baby!

 

1. Manic Panic Lipstick in Dark & Dramatic Blue, $8.00. 2. BDG Twill Grazer Cigarette Pant, $49.00. 3. Forever 21 Colour Block Stripe Skirt in Royal Blue, $9.80. 4. Old Navy Breezy Blouse in Blue Corsica, $15.00. 5. Splurge: Halston Heritage Watersnake Flat Belt, $160.00.

 

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Fall’s Thrifty Touches – Part III

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5October2011

Cruella de Vil had it right – spots are where it’s at. While these dots may not come from 101 adorable (skinned) Dalmatian puppies, the kinds from the ‘polka’ variety will do just fine. Yes, polka dot prints are in for fall and by golly I’ll have you seeing dotty! Warning: polka dotted clothing should not cause you to see dotty, if such a side effect occurs please see your doctor and don’t hold me accountable.

It’s polka (dot) time.

Time to get your spot on:

 

1. ASOS Spot Peg Jersey Trousers, $45.00. 2. Forever 21 Knit Polka Dot Skirt, $11.80. 3. Violent Lips Temporary Lip Tattoo Polka Dot Print, $21.70. Pins and Needles Polka Dot Tunic, $59.00. 5. Splurge: Alice + Olivia Polka Dot Silk Dress, $178.00.

-Hallae

I am currently a Term 4 student studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Academy of Design.  I love: black, studs, enormous sunglasses, platform sneakers, excessive layers, and length.

Follow me on Twitter: @hallaek

Check out my Blog: http://i-wear-black.com

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Fall’s Thrifty Trendy Touches – Part II

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26September2011

We can feel as September starts to inch closer to October: standing in the shade is 10 degrees colder than in the sun, bags are getting bigger for your “just in case” sweater, and all the international fashion weeks begin. If you’ve been following NYFW then you’re up on what’s to come for spring 2012, but what about dressing for our current season, fall 2011? That’s why I’m here with a helping, and well informed, hand. Velvet was all over the runways during the last set of fashion weeks, and now it’s in stores waiting for you (and your money).

Who doesn’t love how this stuff fees? Let’s get velvety

 

Visions of Velvet on the runway

But perhaps we would be best with only hints of velvet:

 

1. Valerina Velvet Ballet Flats, $36.00. 2. American Apparel Velvet Skirt, $44.00. 3. Ecote Velvet Shirt, $69.00. 4. ASOS Velvet Turban, $14.50. 5. Splurge: J Brand Velvet Leggings, $188.00.

-Hallae

I am currently a Term 4 student studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Academy of Design.  I love: black, studs, enormous sunglasses, platform sneakers, excessive layers, and length.

Follow me on Twitter: @hallaek

Check out my Blog: http://i-wear-black.com

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Faculty Spotlight: Jacob Allderdice talks about his article on Regis College’s redesign

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30August2011

The Regis College at the University of Toronto has been in the “design hot spot” of Toronto as of lately. I had read an article about it in Canadian Architect Magazine. You may have seen Jacob around the Steeles Campus, but many of you may not know just exactly how talented he is. Not only is he an instructor here at the Academy of Deisgn, but is also a Licensed Architect and LEED AP. I decided to get his direct insight about the Regis College project as well as ask him a few questions about himself.

1. What did you think about the sinuous, red steel staircase?
The staircase is the bold central move around which many other design decisions hinge. It’s visually delightful, simple in form yet complex in execution. It galvanizes the atrium space and enlivens it. It creates a social gathering space, calling to mind the architect Christopher Alexander’s “Staircase as a Stage” pattern, which I am always telling my students to think about. On imagines students casually meeting each other and with faculty there, holding vibrant theological discussions to match the vibrant colour and form of the stair itself. The stair makes a delicate and poetical gesture where it intersects with the old building, a “reaching-without-touching” that seems just right for the space. Yet there are also some problems, some of which I mention in my article. The location of the “night porter’s” desk, for one, seems out of place at the top of the stair. Another problem is the “spider traps” I always warn my students about, formed when a curve comes up against a straight wall, making an acute angle. Difficult to clean, difficult to furnish. Another is the problem of how the stair blocks the view of the “back door” from the space left over for meeting and greeting guests to the atrium. And finally there’s a question of how appropriate it is to have this lively a space flow uninterrupted into the library reading room just below.

2. Had you seen the space before and after the redesign?
No—only after.

3. What is your opinion on the idea of Mario Botta building a cathedral right here in Toronto?
Mario Botta is a master architect working at a level of achievement and expertise unknown in Toronto, if not Canada. To have a project by him in our city would be stupendous.

4. What was it like previously working at Larkin Architect Limited?
Larkin is a wonderful firm. They’ve hired at least two AOD graduates in the past, and employees from the firm have previously taught and/or conducted design reviews at our school on numerous occasions. It’s a “teaching” firm in another sense as well, with employees learning the ways of design through their work—“Learning by Doing,” in Dewey’s phrase. The office is democratic in structure, which means good ideas are always welcome and may have an influence on the course of a design in the office. There’s a warm feeling there—it’s small; birthdays and small victories are celebrated by all. The firm was an early adopter of the principle that “green design is good design,” and it’s satisfying to work in an environment where idealistic notions of sustaining the planet are not met with skepticism.

5. What was your overall impression of the space?
I give my overall impression in the article. It’s a well-designed project, which is not to say there are not a few details I would have handled differently.

6. How long have you taught at AODT?
Since July 2001—over 10 years.

7. For a student interested in Interior Design, what advice would you give them?
Interior designers need to be artists and story-tellers, not just functionalists. Take classes in rendering and drawing, and practice your freehand drawing and observation skills daily. Keep a sketchbook and a tape measure handy at all times. Take the trouble to observe, critically, the places you find beautiful—or awful—and measure the height of desks, chairs, tables, and the space around them that circulation takes up, until you know the critical dimensions by heart. Practice measuring rooms and ceiling heights until you can estimate them accurately by eye alone. Examine how things are put together and note these details in your book. These skills will put you in good stead for the practical aspects of interior design. But there’s more—good designers are well-rounded and educated in the humanities and social sciences. Read books and newspapers and maintain curiosity and enthusiasm about the world. Engage in politics and be prepared to state an opinion—backed by facts, about the major events of the day. Learn a foreign language. French, in particular, will provide designers with a wide and useful vocabulary and perspective.

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a cyclist and a “complete streets” advocate. I love to write, and I’m always working on a new short story or a novel.

Thank you so much Jacob for your time in answering these questions! I look forward to see more of your work in the future.

By: Rayni Kovacs

Term 4 Interior Design student

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Fall’s Thrifty Trendy Touches – Part I

Posted by admin in Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, iDress for Academy, Trends | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
17August2011

How can one not alliterate when the opportunity presents itself? My second term in the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising program at the Academy of Design was during this past spring, so when an assignment came up in my Trends class that required us to predict the trends of the coming season, we had to focus on Fall/Winter 2012. With September about to rear its ugly head (meaning the dreary weather and gradual disappearance of the sun), it’s time for all of my hard work to finally be put to good use. For the next few weeks I will be posting about one fall trend at a time along with some fierce and frugal (alliteration) coinciding items. Now I did spend hours clicking through what seemed like millions of pictures of unimpressed, yet impeccably dressed, models and you, the reader, will be benefiting at no cost at all. With that said I ask of you, dear reader and probable student, this one thing: when a strange and crazy-eyed, but enthusiastic young woman approaches you in your trendy outfit this fall, camera in tow – smile and pose.

Week One – It’s still summer, so let’s start things off on the warmer side:

While an all-over red may not be your thing, I have a feeling these snazzy pieces are:

1. ASOS Cross Body Bag, $26.50. 2. American Apparel Nail Lacquer in Neon Red, $7.50. 3. Cooperative Classic Canvas Loafer available at Urban Outfitters, $34.00. 4. Le Château Crepe Pencil Skirt, $29.99. 5. Old Navy Cropped Trench Coat, $39.99. 6. Splurge: Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Bangle, $80.25.

-Hallae

I am currently a Term 4 student studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Academy of Design.  I love: black, studs, enormous sunglasses, platform sneakers, excessive layers, and length.

Follow me on Twitter: @hallaek

Check out my Blog: http://i-wear-black.com

You may also be interested in: