Vancouver based fashion designer brings home a little piece of London

The Chip and Shannon Wilson School of design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is one of the most reputable talent spotting channels in Vancouver, Canada. Last week the graduation collections of 36 aspiring fashion designers took to the runway to showcase three signature looks each.

I got to catch up with KPU grad Alissa Segal to talk about how living in London, UK influenced her graduating collection. Named LIMINALITY, the collection flirts with nostalgia in a tailored yet sexual, and gender-blurred rock’n’roll manner. From pleats and tartan to sequinned bell pants for men, her work stands out boldly among this year’s crop of Kwantlen Polytechnic University Fashion graduates.

The foundation behind Segal’s inspiration rests on her four month exchange at University for Creative Arts in Rochester, UK. “It was here we studied the importance of subcultures. I think unisex is the next big subculture, role models like transgender model Hari Nef”, explains Segal.

Before heading home, Segal undertook a two month internship with Danish-born/ London-cherished designer, Peter Jensen. The brand is know for its mastery of colour and print, including the signature rabbit motif. It’s here Segal learned a new sense of perspective for the industry.

Q&A with fashion graduate Alissa Segal

What would tell a fashion student who aspires to intern in London?

Be prepared to run around London, be prepared to get lost, learn to be resourceful. If you are coming from a school like Kwantlan in Vancouver, you will have a lot of technical skills, I feel tech skills are valued in the UK.

What was your highlight of working for Peter Jensen?

Peter Jensen’s Resort 14 Presentation at London Fashion Week”

Sequins especially on men are quite the statement. How did you come to working with the fabric?

I don’t know where those came from, they gave me lots of trouble sewing. I was inspired by Glam Rock, you know, when guys just throw on women’s clothing.

The cropped sweatshirt with the mesh sequin detail features the David Bowie Quote “You like me and I like it all”. Were you inspired by his death?

Bowie died in January. I was in the middle of designing by grad collection. Incorporating his memory seemed like the obvious choice.