ART & TECHNOLOGY

Fashion meets the digital age in our state-of-the-art Mac computer labs as you transform your images and ideas into a digital portfolio. Create professional-quality images, edit and sharpen photos, create layouts, utilize fills and layers, and become confident with line, shape, pen, reflect and stroke tools. Use digital colouring, selections, extractions and masks to edit and enhance images, layouts and mood boards. Design promotional materials for newspapers, magazines and brochures, understand the concepts of e-tailing, and learn to create and manage your own website.

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Starting your own business is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you can do. It can also be daunting, risky and full of challenges. Our business intensive will give you an appreciation of the requirements for entrepreneurial success, introducing you to the dynamics of new venture start up and development. You’ll learn about personal and business planning, and understand the fundamentals of Canadian business principles as we navigate Canada’s business landscape. Learn how to make a successful business plan and manage your own company by discovering the techniques, practices and terminology used to successfully launch and operate a small business.

CAREER PREPARATION

Image goes beyond the clothes you wear. We’ll help you polish your professional style by developing your skills in business communications, networking and public speaking. Learn how to create a Fashion Industry résumé, write a standout cover letter, approach and communicate with prospective employers, and conduct a winning interview. We’ll identify your marketable and employment skills and explore career possibilities based on your working style, life goals and interests. By the end of our business intensive, you’ll have the confidence and skills to make the leap from classroom to career.

COSTUMING FOR TV AND FILM

Vancouver’s deserved “Hollywood North” reputation comes with countless opportunities for Fashion Professionals. We’ll get you set ready by showing you the ropes of the wardrobe department for TV, Film and Music Videos, from on-set procedures and etiquette to fabric breakdown and garment aging techniques. Learn how to analyze and adapt wardrobe from real scripts, create character charts, and design costumes for individual characters. We’ll research and study key film costumers and costume moments, and our expert instructors will share their advice for successfully navigating the industry. By the end of the course, you’ll have a frame-by-frame overview of how to design and execute a winning wardrobe.

DIGITAL BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

As fashion and the world turn to digital businesses to create smooth and elaborate ways to shop, work and connect, you will learn the relevant technological platforms used by the fashion business industry today. The course will touch on all up-to-date technologies, web builders and apps in the fashion industry so you will have a working knowledge of systems needed for your future career.

DIGITAL MARKETING FOR FASHION

Behind every google search, web banner and social media post is a story. Together we’ll examine the vast range of marketing options in the fast-paced and ever-changing digital realm, exploring how today’s digital marketers utilize data and develop online strategies. Discover how to test, engage and track to implement campaigns to ultimate reach, and analyze data to optimize for best results. From online advertising and boosting options for social media platforms through Search Engine Optimization and Google Analytics, you’ll learn how to effectively target your markets and optimize landing pages for high conversion rates. Creative meets technical as you take your digital campaigns from intuitive marketing concepts to tried, tested and successful strategies.

ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE FASHION

The planet needs fashion warriors right now, those who choose sustainable and ethical practices when creating clothing labels. This course will give students an in depth look at the fashion industry that is becoming more and more sustainable. The students will learn about everything from textile fiber production to fast-fashion, as well as ethical concerns in producing, sourcing and manufacturing garments. They will walk away as a source of knowledge and inspiration for the new wave of sustainable fashion.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

Communication is the key to opening the door of opportunity. This class is your speaker’s podium, editor’s desk, selling floor and backstage press pit. Develop your confidence and professionalism in a range of communication techniques, from Fashion editorials, reviews, blogs and Fashion show commentary to business letters, emails, interviews, public speaking and presentations. Applying everything you have learned, you and your classmates will transform into high-powered editorial teams to conceive, design, develop, write and produce your very own fashion magazine.

FASHION AWARENESS I

Discover Fashion’s most iconic and influential moments and game-changers: from Poiret’s liberating waistlines at the turn of the century to the post-war indulgence of Dior’s New Look and the rebellious 60’s hemlines of Quant. Examining film clips, rare visuals and garments from our archives, we will explore each era from the Edwardian period to the 1970s, and designers from Vionnet, Chanel and McCardell to Yves Saint Laurent and Courreges. Develop your knowledge of design’s most prominent periods and personalities, and their enduring influence on contemporary fashion.

FASHION AWARENESS II

Take a virtual journey to the global epicentres of fashion – New York, Paris, Milan, Tokyo and London – and meet the modern masters and influencers of contemporary couture. From the Day-Glo graffiti of Stephen Sprouse and the intellectual design of Issey Miyake to present day Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Sonia Rykiel and Gareth Pugh, we explore fashion’s rising stars and subversive rebels. Learn to recognize the signature traits and techniques of each house as you discover their stories through lectures, multimedia visuals and videos.

Note: Fashion Awareness I is not a prerequisite for Fashion Awareness II.

FASHION ELEMENTS

Learn the language of Fashion. Whether you are presenting a portfolio of work, selling on the retail floor, buying, or writing commentary on a collection, the ability to communicate in the correct terminology is fundamental. From the sweeping line of a silhouette to the intricacies of garment detail, you will learn how to properly identify and critique elements of design and garment construction. Become fashion fluent as you expand your vocabulary, enhance your communication skills, learn the fundamentals of fashion illustration and explore the origin of ethnic elements in today’s Fashion.

FASHION MARKETING

Fashion Marketing is an art and a science. Social, economic, psychological and technological factors all steer marketing trends. You will develop an understanding of the various types of market research, methods of gathering data for analysis and strategies of use. You will create your very own fashion marketing project that you can be proud of; something you can include in your digital portfolio used when applying to fashion marketing positions.

FASHION SHOW PRODUCTION

What’s behind the planning of a fashion show? It takes a lot of hard work and an extensive network of creative individuals to bring a show to life. We’ll examine the meticulous detail that goes into a professional production, from casting, garments and venue, to staging, lighting and multimedia enhancements. You’ll learn learn the different aspects of show planning, including space planning and scale drawing, commentary and program copy writing, garment styling, and accessorizing for the runway. Turning theory into action, you will put together your own proposal for a Show.

FASHION STYLING

Learn the art of Styling from head to toe as you become immersed in the conceptual development, protocols and etiquette of Fashion Styling. Discover how to style for Fashion Editorial, Catalogue and Advertising Shots, and project the right promotional image for the featured product. We’ll guide you through every step of the styling process—from discerning the right look and tone for your clients and pulling from retail stores to fitting clothes on your model and working with a team of photographers, beauty artists and art directors to bring a creative vision to life. Learn the basics of a photographic shoot and how to style on location. This hands-on module culminates with a unique opportunity to style your very own professional shoot, mentored by your instructor—a stylist with experience and industry clout—to produce industry-standard images ready for your portfolio.

INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING

Head behind the seams to discover the contemporary fashion manufacturing industry. Follow the journey of a line of merchandise through each stage of production, from concept, design and factory planning to quality control, costing and colour story creation. You will have the exclusive opportunity to throw open the doors and explore the floors of our local Garment District on class field trips. Apply your knowledge and creativity to conceive and pitch your very own collection storyboard.

FASHION WHOLESALING

Fashion is art. It’s also a business. Learn the inner workings of the fashion wholesale industry, from initial set-up of an agency to the day-to-day workings of the business. We’ll explore the function and structure of a wholesaling agency, and the all-important relationship between the manufacturer, the wholesale agent and the retailer. You’ll become fluent in wholesale terminology and etiquette as you learn how to receive and prepare samples, work a market, deliver “cold calls,” execute post-market follow-up and write orders. Together we will trace each step of the journey from manufacturer to retailer to consumer as you learn how to represent manufacturers, set up a showroom, develop accounts and present lines.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND EVENT PLANNING

The ever-growing Public Relations and Events Industry is now one of the most in demand fields in Fashion. Through the use of real life scenarios, field trips, videos, and publications, your expert instructor will take you through each step of planning a media campaign and executing a show-stopping PR event. We’ll show you how to seek funding and sponsors, manage a budget, run a publicity campaign and engage the public. You’ll discover how to write pitches and proposals and generate media attention for fashion shows, product launches and other special events. Develop the skills to create, promote and execute small scale, large scale and corporate PR events with a range of budgets.

RETAIL BUYING

Turn your eye for style into a business as we guide you through the world of retail buying. We’ll coach you in the basic business concepts that will complement your creative instincts, showing you how best to meet your target market’s demands and desires. You’ll learn the language of buying, understand the numbers behind the business, and gain the tools to strategize and plan through profit and loss statements, sales and merchandise plans and open-to-buy plans. We’ll talk mark-up and margins, profit factors and pricing, purchase orders and stock-planning, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of domestic and foreign resources. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to effectively manage a department or boutique by selecting and buying the merchandise that will sell.

SOCIAL MEDIA

From YouTube millionaires to Insta-Sensations, Social Media has globally transformed the way we engage with one another on a personal and professional level, allowing us to reach previously unimaginable networks. Whether aiming to develop a brand, build loyalty, test new ideas, solicit feedback or drive sales, businesses are using community managers, digital strategists and social media gurus to act as their online voice. In this course you will learn the fundamentals of content management, discover how to navigate analytic and tracking tools, and develop the confidence to provide industry relevant services in this rapidly growing field. From blogging and vlogging to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest, we will explore the potential of each major platform, and how to use them to develop effective marketing campaigns. You’ll learn how to create content that arrests the eye and entices the click in your brand’s existing and potential audiences, and utilize reach strategies to engage and grow your follower base.

TEXTILES

Textiles are the fabric of fashion—literally. Whether you are caring for product on the retail floor, making decisions about the construction of a garment, or describing the weave of a distinctive runway piece, a strong knowledge of textiles is invaluable. In this in-depth study we explore the world of fibers and fabrics, from their identifying characteristics to their production and uses. Develop a fabric swatchbook and take your fashion knowledge to a molecular level as we delve into fibre processing, fabric construction, yarn types, colour processing, finishes and labelling laws.

VISUAL MERCHANDISING

Visual Merchandising is the artistry that entices shoppers to stop, look, engage and buy. Discover the theories and practical applications of display and merchandising through brainstorming sessions, hands-on workshops, field trips and projects. We’ll explore a range of display media—from fixtures and signage to lighting, graphics and props—and show you how to utilize them in the planning and design of display concepts. We’ll cover merchandise planning, selection, and presentation as you develop techniques for dressing, styling and accessorizing mannequins and dressforms. Your expert instructor will share trade secrets for grouping, colour coordinating and accessorizing to create winning displays that will stop shoppers in their tracks.

A selection of Blanche Macdonald Fashion Marketing graduates and their career placements.

Alanna Kuznetsov, moved from North Face as Regional Merchandiser to Corporate Sales, Kenzie
Albian Kwok, Sales Associate, Camper Shoes
Alexandra Samborn, Product Manager, Le Chateau
Alicia Bell, E-commerce, Lululemon
Allison Mcleod, Assistant to the Brand manager, LK Collections
Alysha Karim, Assistant stylist, Operation Style
Alyssa Truant, Sales Associate, Tory Burch (opening new store in Calgary)
Amanda Allan, Buyer Footwear, The Bay (Head Office)
Amanda Anderson, Agent Booker, Liz Bell Agency
Amanda Kane, Sales Rep, Anzie
Amanda Moorby, Assistant Denim Buyer, Bootlegger
Amanda Watt, Lead Business & Special Projects, Holt Renfrew
Amanda Woods, Head Visual Merchandiser, The Gap on Robson Street
Amber-Lee Schneider, Fashionista Blogger, Project Manager, Naked Underwear
Amelia Mackenzie, Freelance Fashion writer, ION Magazine, Skinny Magazine
Amy Laverdure, Sales Associate, Holt Renfrew
Amy Lu, Fashion Stylist, Judy Inc. – National Artists’ Agency
Amy Wutzke, Stylist Expert, Pacific Centre.
Angela Ghislieri, Assistant Manager, Club Monaco
Anna Talbot, Costume Dept., Some Assembly Required (YTV)
Arantza Montoya, Switchboard, Holt Renfrew
Ariana Terado, Associate Manager, Aritzia
Ashley Mitchell, Assistant Personal Shopper,Holt Renfrew
Ashley Bachmeier, Assistant Denim Buyer, Bootlegger
Ashley Park, Sales Associate, Louis Vuitton at Holt Renfrew
Ashley Weaver, Co-owner, Tickle Trunk and Weaver Agencies
Aurelia Cerquozzi, Assistant Manager, Club Monaco
Avery Brown, Operations, Holt Renfrew
Babak Safari, Sales Associate, Brooklyn Clothing Company
Bayley Thompson-Willard, Sales Associate, Jewelry & Accessories Holt Renfrew
Beau Muncer, Manager, Moule Social Fashion House
Brenton Crawford, Sales Associate, TOPMAN
Bridie Morgan, Assistant, Judy Inc. – National Artists’ Agency
Bridget Thiessen, General Wholesale, Yates & Co
Brittany McCoy, Visual Merchandising, Oak + Fort
Brittany Mounce, Sales Associate, Aritzia
Brittany Whitney, Stlyist and Sample Coordinator, Ivivva/Lululemon
Brooke Neufeldt, Social Media, Gentle Fawn
Carly Dargatz, Sales Associate in gift & gourmet, Holt Renfrew
Carly Jones, Merchandiser, Sportcheck
Carmen Watson, Visual Merchandiser, North Face
Carrie Sharma,District Manager, Club Monaco
Catlin Nagi, Sales Associate, Oak + Fort
Chris Lam, Director of Stores – Menswear, Zara Canada Inc.
Christine Visnjak, Owner, Muse Social Fashion House
Claudia Da Ponte, Stylist, Film and TV Industry
Candice Chic, Fashionista Blogger
Carmelita Roscoe, Visual Merchandiser, BCBG Max Azria (Calgary)
Carmen Watson, Merchandise Coordinator, Arcteryx Wholesale
Chelsea Lagenstam, Operations, Holt Renfrew
Chelsea Tibayan, Sales Associate, Joe Fresh
Christine Pallen, Brand Manager, Gentle Fawn
Courtney Hunter, Sales Associate, Hudson’s Bay Co/The Room
Courtney Stoy, Merchandise Manager, Aritzia
Courtney Stroet, Assistant Manager, Club Monaco
Danika Osborn, Sales Associate, Lüt Boutique / Newnique Representation
Danielle De Coste, Men’s Merchant, Banana Republic Robson
Danielle Lepak, Visual Merchandising, Oak + Fort Calgary
Danielle Swanson, Visual Display Stylist, Le Chateau
Elaine Harrison, Sales Associate, Holt Renfrew
Elise Michie, Visual Merchandising, Holt Renfrew
Emily Gray, Senior Buyer, Secret Location
Emma Mackey, Junior Buyer, Bootlegger
Emma Pickering, Admissions Associate, Blanche Macdonald Centre
Evelyn Wong, Merchandise Coordinator, Pedder Group (Hong Kong)
Frances Pei, Airfare Product Coordinator, Flight Centre
Ghazal Elhaei, Sales Associate, Hudson’s Bay Co./White Space
Hailey Brooke, Sales Associate, Pilar’s Boutique  
Irene Yokoo, Production Coordinator, Mountain Equipment Co-op
Ivan Jimenez, Sales Associate, Club Monaco
Jacky Le, Sales Associate, J Crew
Jamie Patterson, Visual Presentation Coordinator, Jacob – West Edmonton
Jenalee Kreiser, Visual Merchandising, American Apparel
Jennifer Pitura, Sales Associate, Harry Madden & Associates
Jennifer Wendell, PR for Sports and Entertainment, GR Solaris
Jenny Yang, Seasonal, Holt Renfrew
Jesus Morales, Sales Associate, J Crew
Jessica Hodgson, Sales Representative, Rosen Agency
Jessica Walden, Account Manager, Buur Fashion
Jessica Weaver, Co-owner, Tickle Trunk and Weaver Agencies
Jessie Ryan, Dresser, Louis Vuitton
Jillian Crago, Sales Representative, The Dakota Group
Jill Zdunich, Associate Buyer, Aritzia
Jill Connolly, Canadian Rep, Fluid Agency
Jillian Lee, Assistant Brand Manager, Diverse Group
Jiwan Han, Sales Associate, Holt Renfrew
Joanne Wilkins, Visual Merchandising, Holt Renfrew
Jodi Sam, Fashion stylist, www.jodisam.com
Jonita Parhar, Assistant Stylist to Luisa Rino Fashion Stylist
Jordan-Ann Piper, Event Coordinator for Miss New Westminster
Jordan Kawawaki, Fashion Merchandising Current Student Full time, Manager in Training JNBY
Jordan Krahn, Concierge, Holt Renfrew
Jordan Schmidt, Diesel Representative, Holt Renfrew
Julia Taylor, Merchandise Coordinator, Winston Retail Systems
Julian Chan, Asisstent, Gold Lemon Creative
Julianna Christie, Floor manager, Aritzia
Julie Duquette, Owner/Operator, Dirty Girl Uniforms
Justin Barrington Foote, Manager, Betsey Johnson
Justine Martin, Sales Representative, SKOUT
Kaleigh Storer, General wholesale/production, Mimi and Marge
Kara Rothdram, Business Development & Sales, Vancouver is Awesome
Karen Tran, Visual Merchandiser, Wear Else
Karen Wyder, USA Operations Manager, Lululemon
Kate Keys, Assistant to Associate Buyer, Moule Social Fashion House
Kate Rose, Visual Merchandiser (North America), Helly Hansen
Kate Wotherspoon, Personal Shopping, Holt Renfrew
Kathleen McGlew, Associate Buyer, Army & Navy
Katie Farrant, Assistant to Regional Sales Manager, Sixty Canada
Kattie Skjolde, Purchasing, Blanche Macdonald Centre
Kaylee Stewart, Assistant Manager, Coach
Kelsey Ram, Sales Rep, Yates and Company
Kendra Perry, Sales Associate, Aritzia
Kendra Pugh, International Sales & Operations Coordinator, Herschel Supply Co.
Krista Guloien, Catalogue Coordinator, Lululemon (HO)
Kristy Rogerson, Operation Style and Wardrobe, X Weighted (Reality TV Show)
Kyla Plotnikoff, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, Aveda, Calgary
Kyle Dennis, Sale Associate, Coach
Kyle Ziegenhagel, Visual Merchandiser, Zara
Laila Bedard, Sales Associate, Topshop
Laura Norbury, Associate Style Producer, Honey Mustard
Laura Spencelayh, Sales Rep / Support, Buur Fashions
Leanne Armstrong, Full Time Sales Associate, Holt Renfrew
Leanne Brown, Assistant Personal Shopper, Topshop
Leanne Saulnier, Sales Associate, Gentille Alouette
Leigha Robinson, Assistant Manager, Secret Location
Leila Bani, Fashion stylist, THEY Representation Inc.
Lhasa Porter, Buyer, Please Mum
Leighann Boquist, Owner, Oliver & Lily’s Clothing and Accessories Inc.
Lesley Ann Paterson, Visual Merchandiser, Holt Renfrew
Lesli Storrier, Customer Service, Global Shoes
Lillian Lam, Art Director, Partner, Together Productions Creative Group Inc. – Vancouver BC
Lilyanne Nguyen, Sales Associate, Gucci
Lindsay Helm, Designer on contract, Lav & Kush Designs
Lindsay McNab, Sales Associate, The Block
Lindsay Wilkins, Stylist, Mabelle Style
Lisa Salsbury, Assistant Buyer, Off the Wall
Lisa Schminowsky, Assistant to Brand Manager, Gail B Wholesale Agency
Luna Kozaczuk, Sales Associate, Dianes Lingerie
Lyndi Barrett, Agency Director, Lj Public Relations. Blanche Macdonald Centre Instructor
Maggie Hou, Broadcaster for TVB, Travelling for the TV stations for Asia and Europe
Mandy Rennenberg, Sales Associate in gift & gourmet, Holt Renfrew
Marcela Banales, Sales Rep, Victoria Secret
Margaux Jackson, Major Accounts Manager, Roxy
Maria Polansky, Visual Merchandising, Zara
Mariana Reynose, PR/Marketing – Front of House, Spend on Trend
Marta Djordjevic, Sales Associate, Anthropologie
Martina Kirdzija, Styling, Arcteryx
Maxime Roberts, Assistant Designer, Some Assembly Required (YTV)
Meghan Keene, Sales Associate in Shoes The Bay Downtown
Melanie Cheng, Sales Associate, Holt Renfrew
Melissa Cumming, Operations, Holt Renfrew
Melissa Rosvold Lynne, Owner of Vie Maternity & Children’s boutique
Melody Rhind, Freelance Stylist & Head Designer, Escargot Kids
Michelle Corner, Assistant Buyer for Sporting Goods, The Forzani Group
Michelle Kulas, Agent, Hidden Talent Agency
Nadia Chu, Sales Associate – Women’s Contemporary, Holt Renfrew
Namrata Singh, Sales Associate, Joe Fresh
Natasha Campbell, Owner of Tashae Productions (Telus Ski & Snow Board Weekend, 2010 Winter Olympic Apparel, Chum Television, BC Fashion Week)
Natasha Heine, Sales Associate, Banana Republic
Natalie Malheiro, Sales Rep, Gibson Agency
Natalie Willson, Lululemon Educator, Lululemon
Nazreen Nawaz, Wholesale Representative, BMA Apparel Group
Nicole Bampton, Regional Sales Manager, Sixty Canada
Nicole Denis, Manager, LaCoste Boutique
Nicole Ritchie-Oseen, Owner, body politic
Nikki Hyssop, Sales Associate, Obakki
Paniz Jamali, Dresser, Louis Vuitton
Paula Bruzzese, Adminstrative Assistant, Copasetic Clothing
Peter Ty Hoang, Blogger, The Starving Stylist
Raffaele Megaro, Western Canadian Representative, Ralph Lauren
Rebekah Lipsey-Ouimet, Manager, American Eagle  
Renee Palkovsky, Sales Associate, Aritzia
Rina Sakakibara, Operations (Footwear), Holt Renfrew
Salina Irwin, Sales Associate, J Crew
Samantha Muir, Sales Yest/Customer Service, Buur (Dutch Company)
Sandra Nanavaty and Renata Milanovic, Owners of wholesale agency THEORI
Sara Brandt, PR & Marketing, Hugo Boss Canada Inc.
Sarah Chen, Allocation Analyst / Inventory Controller, Please Mum
Sarah Danniels, Freelance Stylist
Sarah Granger, Operations, Holt Renfrew
Sarah Scouler, Sales Rep, In Stock Clothing Ltd
Sarah Wenschlag, Assistant Stylist, Shiva Shabani
Scott Mayo, Audit and Control Associate, Holt Renfrew
Selina Lam, Assistant Buyer, Mariposa
Serena Wang, Marketing, Holt Renfrew
Shaleen Suleman, Sales Associate, Holt Renfrew – Tory Burch
Shauna Cookson, Asisstent Manager, Michael Kors
Shelby Schramm, Office Manager, Blanche Macdonald Centre
Shenna Marie Willows, Assistant Manager, Little Burgundy (Aldo Group)
Silesia Sutherland, Client Services Coordinator, Garison Bespoke (Aldo Group)
Sonia Jagpal, Admissions Associate, Blanche Macdonald Centre
Sonia Sun, Sales Associate, Secret Location
Souroush Matoor, Personal Shopping Coordinator, Holt Renfrew
Stephi Chin, Visual Merchandising, Top Shop
Suzie Cromie, Sales Associate, John Fluevog
Sydney Gibson, In-Store Marketer, The Bay – Park Royal
Tania Garcia, Sales Associate, Jacqueline Conoir
Tanya Albulet, Marketing Manager, Vitamin V  
Taylor Ramsay, Head Visual Merchandiser, Forever21
Tenai Scott, Sales Associate, Topshop
Tiana Kruzel, Fashion Wholesale Sales, Horton Berner
Tina Yu, Sales Associate, Club Monaco
Tiffany B Brown, Executive Assistant, Rethink Communications
Toban Raiston, Visual Merchandiser, CanSki Village and CanSki Blackcomb
Vanessa Brown, Merchandiser, American Apparel
Veronica Cleary, DSA/Visual Merchandier, Levis/The Bay
Vicki Chang, Sales Associate, Leone
Victor On, Sales Rep, Michael Kors
Vivian Tai, Social Media/Ecommerce & Visual Merchandising, Stylista Fashion
Vivien Phuah, Assistant Buyer, Secret Location
Xinyu Deng, Visual Merchandising, Izzue
Yuli Wei, Sales Associate, Blubird
Yumi Mizuno, Manager in Training, JNBY (Metrotown)

The trillion-dollar Fashion Industry is exploding, creating a constant influx of careers for the creative and business-inclined—and everything in between. Professional possibilities are endless. But so is your potential. Our Career Services Team will help you discover how you fit in, and set you up for success.

Our outstanding Career Director are connected to all areas of the fashion industry, from luxury retail brands and glossy magazine offices to prestigious PR firms and leading talent agencies. They will connect you with employment, internship and volunteer opportunities that complement your unique talents and professional goals—even after you graduate.

Our instructors are more than teachers—they will become your mentors, entrusting their wisdom to you and sharing their experience to help advance your career. Often they become professional advocates who can open doors to exciting opportunities and introduce you to important contacts in the field.

These dedicated individuals will help you develop your network, boost your confidence, and prepare you for the competitive fashion industry. With endless options in the Canadian and global marketplace, there’s no limit to what you can do—or where you can go.

Fashion Marketing Careers

Where will your fashion journey to take you?

Tell compelling visual stories as a Fashion Stylist. Coordinate a team of professionals to realize collective visions for commercial projects, luxury retailers, celebrities and the high art of editorials.

Take on the exacting and exulting life of a Fashion Editor, working with vision and diligence to coordinate your team of writers, photographers and advertisers to create an engaging print or online platform.

Take your readers through the rush of Fashion shows and gloss of events to the springboards of fresh Design talent, in captivating narrative and interviews as a Fashion Journalist.

Be a Fashion visionary as a Creative Director of a magazine or brand, envisioning new concepts and executing new directions for your team.

Curate a dialogue of Fashion, product and space by becoming an Entrepreneur. Open your own business, whether it be a brick-and-mortar boutique, a thriving e-commerce site, or an independent artisanal e-shop.

Employ your keen eye for emerging trends, a head for figures and dexterity of mind in the creation of a balanced and lucrative inventory, as a Retail Buyer.

Engage on a global scale as a Social Media Marketer, developing and strengthening the voice of a brand through content curation, outreach strategies and community connection.

Not into following the trend? Call it! Use your keen intuition and in-depth industry knowledge to anticipate demand as a Trend Forecaster, and have a say in where the Fashion curve will head.

Commandeer the public image of a design house, figure, or brand as a Public Relations Executive, forging new relationships and promoting your client’s message through special events.

Arrest, entice, and immerse shoppers in the retail worlds of your imagination as a Visual Merchandiser.

Immerse yourself in the gripping rush and light of showtime to create powerful seasonal narrative as a Fashion Show Coordinator.

Shape the editorial platform of print and online magazines as a Marketing Editor, curating product and liaising between brands and publication.

Take to the backstage of centre stage drama as a Costume Designer for TV, Film or Stage, working with Directors, Producers and actors to make characters come to life.

Be the liason between manufacturer and retailer as a Wholesale Agent or Manufacturer’s Representative, building mutually lucrative relationships with buyers by connecting them with fabulous product.

Embark on a global hunt for inspiration and reference while sourcing findings and fabrics as a Product Developer.

Make your voice heard in the potent arena of independent opinion and critique as a Blogger or Vlogger, lending your online personality and aesthetic to pertinent fashion topics and brand ambassadorship.

Discover, groom and propel the next big names of runway and print – whether they be models, stylists, makeup or hair artists – as a Model and Talent Agent at prominent international, and top local agencies.

Help realize fashion fantasies as a Personal Shopper. Connect one-on-one and tune into the unique needs and wardrobe whims of your client, whether they are a red carpet celebrity or an on-the-go style lover.

Rule the online realm as an Ecommerce Specialist, working with the Technical, Buying, Merchandising, Editorial and Marketing teams to deliver an engaging online experience, drive conversion and empower the brand’s strategy and vision.

Write copy that sells and communicates brand vision as a Copywriter for luxury and boutique online sales sites.

Lend your marketing expertise to shape the perception of the industry’s biggest and emerging names as a Brand Consultant.

Go global as an International Market Director, building connections between your brand and the global community through the creation and management of international initiatives.

Help bring brand to narrative as a member of a Fashion Advertising team, conceptualizing, realizing and managing arresting campaigns with measurable results.

Drive the click and draw in the global online audience as a Digital Marketing Manager, working through analysis to create enticing pathways to your brand’s website.

Balance inventory with customer need and aesthetic brand vision, leading the lifecycle of product from receipt to visual display as a Merchandise Manager.

Combine your love of connection with your passion for the shopping experience as a Customer Care Specialist, helping your company meet sales goals and develop positive relationships with customers.

Pilot the logistics of moving product from warehouse to sales floor as a Retail Distribution Manager, balancing supply and demand through vendor liaison.

1. IT’S ALL IN THE CONNECTIONS AND CAREER PLACEMENT

From extensive industry connections to onsite employment fairs and industry partnerships, your success is our business. That’s why we have a dedicated Careers Director focused 24/7 on career placement. Their vast network of industry contacts, top employers, powerhouse brands and exclusive agencies know that Blanche Macdonald is the first port of call for anyone seeking fashion talent. Our Career Director offers their lifelong support and one-on-one attention to help you find employment and opportunities— whether it’s the day you start, the day you graduate, or anytime from now to forever.

2. GRADUATE SUCCESS

They’re styling celebrities and creating looks at global Fashion Weeks. They’re jetsetting from executive boardrooms to exclusive red carpet events, opening their own businesses and styling the covers of global fashion magazines. They’re our grads, and they’re leading lights of the Fashion world. Our graduates consistently rise to the top of the Fashion business, bringing their artistry to every corner of the industry, garnering international recognition and making us proud. We want you to reach these same heights. So we have lovingly crafted Programs that will train you for the industry, coach you in professionalism, and prepare you for a successful career in Fashion once you graduate.  

3. LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS

The Fashion landscape is rich and diverse. Whether you’re seeking experience in styling, PR and events or merchandising, we can help you find an internship to expand your exploration of the industry outside of the classroom. Our Fashion Careers Director has forged relationships with design studios, manufacturers, agencies, production companies, retailers and more. They will work with you to find an internshipzlocally or farther afield—that will catapult you head first into the fashion industry. An internship is an amazing doorway into fashion, allowing you to gain access to the industry straight from school, and giving you real work experience straight away. For many of our students these internships lead to exciting opportunities, and are the start of professional relationships and important connections that are instrumental to their success.

4. MOBILITY AND DIVERSITY

Our Fashion Marketing Program will prepare you for a flexible, dynamic career where you can leap from one area to the next. Look at graduate Nikki Dindo, moving from special events to PR with the top firm in New York, working with the ferocious Kelly Cutrone, into social media marketing and then becoming a Partner in high flying firm. Or graduate Jennifer Dott, who started in wholesaling, moved from merchandising to Retail Manager for the ultra prestigious Hermès, and became Accounts and Marketing Director for the oh-so-hip Westcoast brand, Erin Templeton. In Fashion Marketing you’re not locked down. You can flex, morph and flow into a variety of in-demand roles. It’s about mobility and diversity, about keeping it fresh, about braving something different and rising to new challenges. You can be a chameleon, a nomad and a specialist at the same time—all while staying true to your love of fashion.

5. COLLABORATIVE, CREATIVE PROJECTS

Throughout your program you will collaborate with fellow students and industry professionals on a series of projects. You’ll style a shoot with a professional photographer and model, leading a creative team of makeup, hair and nail artists. You’ll create your own marketing materials and digitally enhance your images, ready for your professional portfolio. With a team of classmates you’ll design, write and produce your own fashion magazine. You’ll start a blog, create a collection of fashion swatches, merchandise a storefront, and much more. Your school projects are more than assignments—they are real-life experiences, the dress rehearsals for the industry you will soon be joining. They will provide you with essential practice for the real world of fashion, and help you build the collaboration and team-working skills that are fundamental to any fashion career.

GLOBAL MARKETING: FASHION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Full-time Diploma program (960 hours)

One year, 3 days/week

Two years with Co-op Work Experience option available for International students.

There are two scheduling options to choose from:

• Mondays to Wednesdays
• Wednesdays to Fridays

For Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada: the lowest Tuition payment plan option is $18,400 for the entire program length. Canada Student Loan funding is available for those who qualify.

Following your program acceptance, the following fee payments totaling $950 (exclusive of tuition) are required on the day of enrollment:

1. An assessment fee of $150
2. A non-refundable registration fee of $250
3. An administrative fee of $550

Tuition Grants may be available for specific programs and start dates. Please ask your Admissions Advisor about any available Tuition Grants.

Class sizes are very limited. Early registration is required to guarantee a seat in a class.

To learn more about our various payment plan options and upcoming start dates, please fill out our info-request form or connect with your Admissions Advisor.

Making an Application is simple and easy. This is our way of getting to know you. Please fill out the Application form and then an Admissions Director will arrange a time to connect with you. This is a wonderful way for us to share information and insights about the program, the industry, career development, job opportunities, potential tuition grants and financial aid options. And this is our time to learn about you, what your career goals are, what you would like to achieve with your career training, what questions and concerns we can help you with. There is no enrolment deposit made until you have been formally accepted into the program. Please submit your Application here.