Sustainability takes centre stage at student-run fashion event

Twenty seven students from across The Creative School organized “Mosaic”, a fashion event showcasing the cumulative work of students in the FSN 706 Fashion Event Planning course.

Unique Elective Opportunity 

Offered as an open elective by the School of Fashion, Fashion Event Planning is an introductory course to event planning and management in the fashion industry. At the end of the semester, students apply the course concepts by planning and producing a fashion event. The class worked in teams to present a proposed fashion event to execute and one proposal was selected to be put on by the class at The Innovation Studio. 

The course allows students to develop problem-solving skills within event management while encouraging them to test solutions to these issues in the planning of their event. Throughout the course, students use their critical thinking to unpack fashion events and challenge their purpose, intention, and future. Students contribute to this event in a variety of roles with an emphasis on building effective team skills, budgets and workback schedules. 

Brian A. Richards, the course instructor, emphasized the value of experiential learning to develop event planning skills.

"FSN 706 Fashion Event Planning offers students a dynamic and immersive learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom teachings,” said Richards. “This course equips students with the essential skills needed to navigate the intricate world of fashion event planning, providing a comprehensive understanding of logistics, creativity, and industry trends.”

Clothing Swap

This year’s event focused on the themes of rethinking, restoring, and reloving fashion through the lens of sustainability. Guests were invited to participate in a clothing swap, bringing an item of clothing to the event to exchange for another preloved garment. This was the first time the annual showcase event took place entirely in person. 

“Through hands-on learning, students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also actively apply them in planning and executing a real-life fashion event,” said Richards. “This unique approach fosters creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing students for success in the fast-paced and competitive field of fashion events.The invaluable practical experience gained in FSN 706 not only enhances academic knowledge but also ensures graduates are well-equipped to excel in their future careers, making it a standout opportunity for aspiring professionals in the fashion industry."

Third-year Professional Communication student Sasha Kovacevic was a member of this year’s cohort. The hands-on learning experience was a unique way of learning about the fashion industry through the production of an in-person event. 

“This class experience was engaging and allowed us to put our knowledge into practice,” said Kovacevic. “We got to connect with others passionate about fashion and sustainability, and create an event centered around that theme. During the event, students brought in clothing items to exchange, for a fun and sustainable way to give pre-loved items a new home.”

Getting creative with sustainability 

Mosaic’s 2023 logo, designed by the class’s art direction team, was hand-painted onto reusable tote bags for attendees to carry their swapped clothing items in. The class provided various materials for each guest to customize their tote bag with, creating a unique and sustainable accessory.   

Sustainability in the fashion industry

The event’s keynote speaker and Fashion Communication alum, Narishdath Maraj, led a presentation on reducing post-consumer textile waste and innovative sustainable practices in the fashion and textile industry. Maraj oversaw Toronto Metropolitan University’s Branded Materials Transition Project (BMTP) of Ryerson branded materials, which he discussed during his presentation at Mosaic, where the materials were disposed of after the university’s name change. The BMTP upcycled materials to be reused, keeping branded items from landfills.

To learn more about past and future FSN 706 Mosaic events, check out @tmu_mosaic (external link)  on Instagram.

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.