Mar 20, 2014
Vancouver, BC - The creative work of first-year Design Formation students has caught the attention of Oakridge and Richmond Centre. These two prominent venues are showcasing the eye-catching exhibit, Paper Haute Couture Project, comprised of hand-crafted sculptures that emulate high fashion. Each location has a unique collection of paper dresses inspired by iconic designers including Alexander McQueen, Dior, and Balenciaga. To create these works of art, students were challenged to use a limited selection of modest materials including craft paper, cardboard, coffee filters, cupcake papers, tape, thumbtacks, parcel tags, dress makers tissue, straight pins, string, and twine.
"We are very proud of the work the students have created," said Design Formation Instructor Kevin Smith. “The ingenuity and intricacy of their work is remarkable. From conception to completion, they’ve created exceptional sculptures. We are thrilled to be showcasing them off-campus for the first time this year."
The new exhibits have garnered a lot of attention and enthusiasm at both locations.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Langara College to showcase the creative talents of their Design Formation students," said Susan Nicol, Oakridge Centre General Manager. “This unique installation is a wonderful addition to our Centre and we’re pleased to be able to share these exquisite dresses with the community.”
"Richmond Centre is thrilled to showcase this extraordinary paper sculpture collection. We are inspired by the design and creativity demonstrated by these students," said Sheila Luft, Richmond Centre General Manager. "These pieces capture a unique take on the world of fashion and add a dynamic element to our dining terrace."
Exhibition schedule
- Oakridge Centre (outside Harry Rosen) 650 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver | Now until April 6
- Richmond Centre (2nd floor Dining Terrace) 6551 No. 3 Road, Richmond | Now until March 27
- The Premier Collection will be in Holt Renfrew for ECO Fashion Week | April 21 -May 4
Social media contest
In celebration of the exhibit, Oakridge has launched a Twitter contest that will run from March 19th-25th. Shoppers are invited to visit Oakridge Centre and tweet a photo of their favourite dress using the hashtag #PaperCoutureDresses at @oakridgestyle and @langaracollege for a chance to win a $100 Oakridge gift card.
The Design Formation Diploma Program at Langara College merges the design disciplines of spatial formation and communication design. The program bridges architecture, industrial design, interior design, and graphics. Students become familiar with a wide-ranging skill set that can be applied to everything from retail display to exhibit design to environmental graphic design, or as a basis for further study. The Paper Haute Couture Project is a cornerstone assignment in the Retail Visual Presentation course which teaches prop building, aesthetics, and creative problem solving.
About Langara College
Langara College, located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies programs and courses to more than 23,000 students annually. The College’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students to choose their own educational path. The Creative Arts Division includes Design Formation, Film Arts, Fine Arts, Journalism, Professional Photo-Imaging, Publishing, and Theatre Arts at Studio 58.
Learn more:
Sylvia Tan
Communications Officer
Langara College
604.323.5961 | stan@langara.bc.ca