Designers
Here’s where you can learn more about belieVe’s designers and the inspirations for their collections.
ALEKSANDRA BIBIC
“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn’t be. And what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see?”
Aleksandra Bibic is a 5th year student in Global Development Studies, English, and Education. In addition to her passion for good books and global issues, Aleks has developed an undying love for VOGUE. This is her third year in the show, but her first year as a designer. Aleks’ collection, Alice, is a fusion of fairy tale imagination and 1920’s decadence. Fashion meet fantasy as each piece uniquely interprets and expresses Lewis Carroll’s traditional Alice in Wonderland characters through the use of rich textures, bold colours, and an infinitesimal attention to detail.
MATT DAVIES
The idea of my collection consists of a simplistic bohemian look mixed with edgy elements created through the use of studs, chains, leather, etc. I will take cues from today’s fashions and implement them in an everyday style. The girl’s designs will be feminine with tom-boyish accents created through the use of over-sized fitting tank tops. The guy’s designs will have similar markings to the girl’s clothes in terms of appendages but be fitted in a more masculine way. Overall, the clothes will not stand as individual pieces but will act as a unified collection.
ALEX KIM
Alexandra Kim is an Independent Designer in first year Arts and Science. She became involved in VOGUE because of her interest in fashion and her past experience in designing for fashion shows. Sewing and designing has been a hobby of hers for three years, and is one of her passions that she hopes she will continue for many years. Some of her inspirations for her scene include Christophe Decarnin for Balmain, Martin Margiela, and Anne Demeulemeester. It will be a largely monochromatic theme using unique textures such as satins and nylon, as well as studs, lace and chiffon. Both men and women will walk the runway in edgy, fashion-forward pieces. This scene will highlight the fantasy of wearing clothes that demand all eyes, exhibiting fearlessness, poise and empowerment.
JENNIFER D’ANDREA
My name is Jennifer D’Andrea and although I have only just begun designing clothing, I have been sketching and drawing since I could walk. I went on exchange to Florence, Italy a couple years ago, where I studied fashion design. This triggered my interest in fashion and ever since, I have been sketching designs and teaching myself how to sew. In terms of my designing, I tend to take an unconventional route, and my ideas about pieces are constantly changing. My collection for VOGUE this year is a combination of fantastical, mysterious elements and classic elegance. I am hoping to create pieces that will intrigue my audience, and keep them wanting more…
STEPHANIE GAGLIARDI
Fashion has always been a passion of mine, receiving my first toy sewing machine when I was just a toddler. Over the years, I have taught myself how to sew and have seen my passion for this art form grow tremendously. I found inspiration for my collection in this year’s show from nature and the many mystical creatures that are found there. My female pieces represent the beauty of our natural world that surrounds us combined with the poetic mystery of how it was all created. However, this natural beauty is threatened due to modern environmental issues. The chains and the military influences in the men’s pieces represent the challenges and pressures that modern societies are placing on our natural world.
BRITTANY BREWSTER
Brittany Brewster is a second year health studies student. She is from Vancouver, BC, which is a source of much of her inspiration. Growing up on the Ocean, Brittany has always had a keen interest in swimwear but it wasn’t until 4 years ago that she started designing and sewing it. This will be her 6th fashion show, and her 5th swimwear collection. This line displays light spring florals, neutral and mossy tones, and deeper winter tones inspired by the blossoms on Quesnel Drive in early spring. The themes expressed should reflect a modern but mysterious garden of Eden.
AMELIA HAMFELT
Fashion is a major passion of mine. Prior to starting at Queens becoming a fashion designer was my dream. I’d been learning and training since I was twelve years old. I’d taught beginner and intermediate sewing classes to children and young adults. In high school, I took a class on fashion illustration at the Alberta College of Art and Design and completed every fashion course my secondary school had to offer. I even began teaching the same fashion classes I was taking in my grade twelve year. Most recently, I have worked as an intern for two fashion designers in Vancouver: Dace Moore and Christina Culver. Since then I’ve let my practical nature overcome me and fashion has been relegated to hobby status. However, for my collection for Vogue, I decided to get in touch with my inner youthful idealist. I’ve produced a collection based primary on the superhero cartoon Jem and the Holograms. The clothes are bright, fun, and stylistically rooted in the eighties.
ELISE COPPS-SMITH
This is my first year contributing to Vogue, and I am so excited to be a part of this fantastic initiative and share my designs. I have only been designing for about a year, but I’ve always been a creator and love coming up with new ideas. I design mainly hairbands but my collection includes a variety of both men’s and women’s whimsical headwear inspired by fairytales and fantasy; think Thumbelina meets Peter Pan’s lost boys.
Aside from designing, I like to knit, play board games, browse around on etsy.com, and “brunch” with friends. I love sushi, cupcakes, and my two pet bunnies Millie and Macy. I can’t wait for all of you to see the show!