Growing up with a single mom and little money leftover for a girl who loved fashion, Richmond's Hannah Willetts learned to sew her own clothes. The tall, willowy 25-year old said her grandma taught her to sew when she was very young.
"I'd sew doll clothes with my grandma," said the fourth-year Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion and design student. "I never followed the fashion of the day, I was always a little eclectic in my style."
When the News met up with her at Kwantlen's Richmond campus, the aspiring fashion designer was working on the final details of her collection, Kinetic City, a sports line for strong women.
She, along with her fellow graduates, will be showcasing their collections during the 40th Annual Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion event, The Show, on Tuesday, April 3.
"I came up with the idea for my line after watching Bodyrock.tv, which is a home movement of hardcore and body building workouts."
Willetts said that although she's not crazy into hardcore workouts, it did spark her curiosity. She began researching the clothing needs of these hardcore fitness buffs.
"Women are going to the gym, and not just to stretch and read magazines," Willetts said. "There is a rising number of women who go there to sweat - and I mean sweat.
Willetts describes her collection as a "forward-thinking line of women's workout gear that blends functionality and edgy, bold designs that speaks to women who are strong and not afraid to be noticed."
While researching at gyms, on the Internet and through taking part in numerous online forums on Bodyrock.tv, she found that most workout gear consisted either of all-black outfits or super feminine ones.
"Mine is bold, strong and technical with built-in push up bras so that you look and feel good," said Willetts, adding she'll have eight pieces in The Show.
After graduation, Willetts is heading to New York and Europe before coming back to work at Lululemon Athletica.
"I'd like to build my career in active wear - it's a lifestyle thing for me," she added.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Bethany Young's Slow and Philosophy line strives to balance sophisticated street wear with the Slow Bicycle Movement (cyclists who take their time and don't wear spandex).
The self-professed driven fashion designer researched her line in Copenhagen, England and Amsterdam.
"I spent five months studying in Finland last year and then traveled throughout Europe," said the Richmondite.
Currently designing technical performance apparel for Lululemon Athletica, her collection focuses on the male urban commuter apparel for the "sophisticated slow bicyclist."
She, like Willetts, has sewn since she can remember.
"I have done it all my life," said the Kelowna transplant. "I'm very much into resourceful, sustainable design, which is more suited to today's lifestyle."
She was inspired to create her line of men's cycling attire after seeing Levi's line.
"It sparked an idea for a tailored performance line that was waterproofed and organic," said Young.
For her research, Young spoke to Christopher Wilson, owner of Vancouver's Whoa! Nellie Bikes.
"He really helped me by giving me tips on what he saw was lacking in men's cycle apparel," she said.
Her fall 2012 line consists of 11 pieces, including four pairs of pants, one jacket, Tshirt, cardigan, pullover and a tailored dress shirt - all safe to cycle in and perfect to head right into the boardroom as well.
The charcoal grey sports jacket, which is made of wool and double interlocking fibres, also has reflective tape in the liner.
Young has dreams of working "overseas as a fashion designer."
Evelyn May, fashion and technology program coordinator, is impressed with both aspiring designers.
"From the very start, both have had a smart, resourceful and mature approach to design, taking risks when needed," said May. "In their final year, each was strong in their final direction. Bethany using subtle details and Hannah glorifying strength in the human body."
May said she believes both have what it takes to make it in this extremely competitive field. According to May, The Show promises to showcase some extremely talented up-andcoming fashion designers.
Out of the 32 Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology students, Earl Luigi captured first place in Canada's Breakthrough Designers event during Montreal Fashion Week last year.
"The Telio awards is a very prestigious competition and it's the first time a student from Western Canada has won," said May. "Earl has been invited to show at this year's Montreal Fashion Week. Earl's line of evening wear dresses uses unique fibres and fabrics from the Philippines."
Many of the graduating students have already accepted jobs in the field.
"Vancouver has made its mark internationally with companies such as Lululemon Athletica and Mountain Equipment Co-Op," added May.
The Show happens Tuesday, April, 3 for three shows (1 p.m., 3: 30 p.m. and 7: 30 p.m.) at the River Rock Casino Resort Show Theatre, 8811 River Rd. Tickets are between $10 and $35. For tickets or for more information, visit www.kwantlen.ca/theshow.
