The annual performance teaches students how to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to stage a real-world event while raising money for charity.
According to program coordinator Laura Harding, preparing for the performance encourages students to sharpen their skills as well as develop a level of professionalism.
“The students are pushed beyond creating fashionable pieces to the point of ensuring the audience is connected with what they are seeing,” explained Harding. “They work all year to stretch and expand their presentation.”
Videos created through collaboration with students in the Broadcast Television program supported the design of each of the costumes and played in the background as they were displayed. Harding said establishing a partnership with another program was invaluable.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to pair students from different programs who may work together on projects in their future careers,” said Harding. “The videos really enhance the presentation.”
Students secured sponsorship from local companies to help offset the cost of the show and, through the sale of tickets, raised more than $2500 for the Waterloo chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The Visual Merchandising Arts program is a two-year project-based diploma program that provides students with the opportunity to develop design skills and knowledge in the areas of fashion and visual display. For more information on the Visual Merchandising Arts program, visit the website.