I just have to imagine the sound of a sewing machine – that split second hum before the tat-tat-tat-tat-tat – and I can see, in my mind’s eye, my grandmother sitting with her foot on the pedal, measuring tape draped around her shoulders, confidently guiding fabric under the needle. A designer and seamstress by trade, she brought ideas to life with precision and passion.
Upstairs in my bedroom closet, a sewing machine passed down from my mother, lies dormant. Every so often when I’m digging through my clothes for something I would enjoy wearing, a thought creeps into my head: Imagine if I could design and make my own clothes? Oh my gosh, the freedom to truly express myself in a way I can’t always do through someone else’s ideas!
Do YOU ever feel this way? Or do you have a child/adolescent who expresses interest in learning about fashion design? Then you should meet Liza Deyrmenjian: a leader in apparel design and production, the founder of a New York-based fashion-business coaching firm, and the brains and passion behind Vancouver’s The Cutting Room.
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Liza to talk about her philosophy and upcoming Youth Fashion Camp.
Liza is successfully carrying out her vision for The Cutting Room by offering classes that focus on various aspects of the fashion design industry. It’s a one-stop shop for the emerging and established designer to gain skills in basic sewing, fashion illustration, pattern making, and all the elements of design.
You can venture as far as you want into the field of fashion from learning different stitches, to creating your own line, to understanding the in’s and out’s of the business.
It is NEVER too late to follow your passions or your curiosities. No matter where you’re at in life, if you feel your heart tugged when you read fashion blogs, leaf through magazines or imagine life as a designer, Liza has all the skills and knowledge to help you take that inclination to the next level. This 8 week Fashion Design course for ages 16+ might be perfect for you!
And if your child (ages 8 to 18) is showing an interest in the field, you HAVE to check out the details of Liza’s Fashion Youth Camp taking place in July and August! This is an opportunity to meet a mentor in the field whose clients have been spotlighted by Elle, InStyle, Oprah and Good Morning America. With a project focus for the week-long camp, participants will design a collection, sew, create a brand, and then present their line. Local fashion names Nicole Bridger (one of my personal faves), Lululemon and Herschel will appear as guest speakers throughout the week. You can read more details about the curriculum and select your dates right on the registration page.
The incredible thing is this youth camp is maxed out at 8 participants which means a) super intimate learning environment and b) registration needs to happen sooner rather than later!
There’s also an opportunity to meet Liza and a number of other Canadian designers at a trunk show hosted by The Cutting Room June 23-25,2016 at their beautiful space: 1888 W.1st Avenue, Vancouver. Check out which Canadian designers are going to be featured plus all the other exciting details on their Facebook event page!
A quick Google search will also give you a great idea of what Liza is about – I’ve shared some favourites here:
Watch her present at the Stitch Factory Speaker Series in this video – and check out that skirt she’s wearing!
And for an incredible story about how a 13 year old girl landed her fashion line in Nordstrom – and a testimonial to Liza D’s mentorship and business-savviness, you have to check out this story. Guaranteed inspiration.
Say ‘hi’ to Liza on Facebook and Instagram, too!
I hope this post inspired you to continue exploring your interests and passions.
Here’s to living our most creative life!
DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored feature post. I only share with you the people and businesses I think can help you live your most authentic, creative and kind life. Thank you for supporting my work.
