Founded in 2004, the international award-winning Cashmere Collection is an ardent supporter of Canada’s fashion design community and the Breast Cancer cause. The highly anticipated kick-off to October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cashmere Collection heralds the annual return of Cashmere’s awareness and fundraising activities for breast cancer.
12 leading Canadian designers, including our very own Fashion & Technology alum, Sam Stringer were selected to participate in the competition where the designers were tasked to create a dress from Cashmere Canada’s Ultraluxe Bathroom Tissue. With each vote, Cashmere Canada will donate $1 to the breast cancer cause.
Voters also have a chance to win $1,500 CAD and will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a year supply of Cashmere Canada’s Ultraluxe Bathroom Tissue. The deadline to vote is October 31.
Learn more about Sam’s career and design process below. Vote for Sam here!
Can you tell us about yourself, your career background and how you came to be a designer?
I began sewing when I was 8 years old and was instantly drawn to gowns. I was lucky enough to pursue an education in design at WSD and my graduation show launched my custom design business. Since then I have shown at Tokyo Fashion Week, Vancouver Fashion Week, and have had my designs on stage at the Juno Awards. I now do custom work for clients across Canada!
Could you tell us how you learned about this competition, and why it was so important for you to be a part of it?
I was approached to do this competition by the organizers in previous years but was unable to fit it in my schedule, so when they asked this year, it was the perfect fit! I was looking for a more artistic project and having the ability to make something that benefitted a wonderful cause was the cherry on top. My family has been touched by cancer so many times, and so many people who are so important to me are survivors of breast cancer, so this project was very personal.
What is the inspiration and how did you come up with your concept for your dress?
The inspiration for my design was showcasing the warrior qualities of a breast cancer survivor and tying in the theme of Celestial Awakening. I wanted to pay homage to the fierce fight many cancer survivors have, as well as give a special nod to those we have lost in their fight with cancer with the angelic qualities of my piece. I also wanted to create something as sustainable as possible, so the structure was made from grape vines instead of man made materials.
How was the process? How long did it take for you to complete the entire dress?
The gown took me a few weeks to complete, the feathers took the longest time! There are 400 individual feathers on the wings, and I had a blast creating the ‘bones’ of the garment using grape vines. The material was actually so wonderful to work with, it was challenging as it was so delicate, but it gave the garment so much dimension and let my artistic side come out. I always design with fabric first and design second (I’m weird, I know!), so the material definitely inspired to flow of the garment.
What was the most challenging aspect of this entire journey?
The most challenging part of this project was trying to narrow down all the possibilities! It was a blast!
What would you like voters to know or take away from your project?
I would like voters to look at the uniqueness of the structure and composure of my piece. I didn’t want to create a typical wearable outfit, this was a chance to create something wonderfully artistic while still being wearable. I wanted to push the material to its limits, and I’m so proud of the outcome!
Vote for Sam here!
