Student venture mirrors Toronto show
Toronto's annual “One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale” occurred over the weekend, running from Wednesday March 31 to Sunday April 4. Held at the Exhibition Centre, the One of a Kind Show is a celebration of all things unique and many DIY creations from entrepreneurs all around Ontario. This was an incredible chance for all designers and artists to show off their skills and for people in the community to come out and support local artists and their beautifully executed ideas.
The One of a Kind Show has been running since 1975, and although it began as a craft show, fashion has always been a key part to the celebration. This year there were three fashion shows being presented by Toronto Life as well as many booths featuring leather, fashion jewellery, hats, fashion accessories, fabric and textiles, and of course, clothing. There were so many artisans featured at the show and an excess of 28 categories of crafts, that it really was impossible to not find something for anyone.
I personally love going to local exhibits like this; most are held at the Ex and in the past I've been to many craft shows and fashion expos where I always find incredible deals and gorgeous pieces that are handcrafted and completely unique. I have a certain sense of pride when I wear these pieces, knowing that in most cases I am the only one to own it and I always get the best compliments on these items.
Supporting one of a kind designers and artisans is very important to me and I think it's important for people to realize how much work goes into a completely unique collection. I never mind paying that little bit more to support the hard work and creativity that goes into these business ventures. Sometimes you can't accept the realization of how much work it is until you literally go out and do it yourself, and Fanshawe's second year fashion design students learned that themselves just under two weeks ago when they put on their own mini One of a Kind Show in the halls of Fanshawe College.
Students in the business of fashion course were asked to create a one of a kind product of their choice to be sold to Fanshawe students and faculty; something that would suit that specific target market and a product that would be successful. The project tested the student's entrepreneurial skills and ability to come up with a cool idea that not only was well made and relatively original, but something that would sell. This is where it became difficult to market a product that Fanshawe students could afford, and although there are many ideas that are great in theory, some may not be realistic. The outcome was amazing nevertheless, featuring a wide variety of products that were not limited to fashion endeavours.
Working in groups of four, the students came up with some great ideas and marketed these products so well with incredible displays, tags, flyers and even matching outfits worn by the salespeople. Some of the products sold included chocolate covered strawberries; marketed with Easter tags that were perfect for gifts for friends and family. There were also fancy French macaroons, as well as smoothies. The food endeavours ended up paying quite well and emulating success from Fanshawe students. These ideas were well-done, and tasty; probably the best products to sell at Fanshawe earning them the most sales, but I still appreciated just as much the hand crafted designs that were sold by remaining fashion students.
One group sold hand crafted, recycled fashion clutches made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and each clutch was completely original and one of a kind. Another group targeted our nostalgia and sold cassette tapes made into small clutches that were perfect for storing your cards and phone when going to the bar. My absolute favourite business venture, however, were the hand-painted umbrellas. Featuring many designs such as flowers, polka dots, ladybugs, and even birdcages, the umbrellas were a great idea and although they may not have sold out at Fanshawe, the makers have been garnering a lot of interest from friends and family members who want to purchase a stylish one of a kind umbrella.
All in all I think the students learned a lot about selling and marketing products and I'm sure it will teach them in turn to be more inclined to support local because whether it's London or Toronto or anywhere across the world; DIY and one of a kind products are special, and the artisans behind the ventures deserve praise for their fantastic ideas.
The One of a Kind Show has been running since 1975, and although it began as a craft show, fashion has always been a key part to the celebration. This year there were three fashion shows being presented by Toronto Life as well as many booths featuring leather, fashion jewellery, hats, fashion accessories, fabric and textiles, and of course, clothing. There were so many artisans featured at the show and an excess of 28 categories of crafts, that it really was impossible to not find something for anyone.
I personally love going to local exhibits like this; most are held at the Ex and in the past I've been to many craft shows and fashion expos where I always find incredible deals and gorgeous pieces that are handcrafted and completely unique. I have a certain sense of pride when I wear these pieces, knowing that in most cases I am the only one to own it and I always get the best compliments on these items.
Supporting one of a kind designers and artisans is very important to me and I think it's important for people to realize how much work goes into a completely unique collection. I never mind paying that little bit more to support the hard work and creativity that goes into these business ventures. Sometimes you can't accept the realization of how much work it is until you literally go out and do it yourself, and Fanshawe's second year fashion design students learned that themselves just under two weeks ago when they put on their own mini One of a Kind Show in the halls of Fanshawe College.
Students in the business of fashion course were asked to create a one of a kind product of their choice to be sold to Fanshawe students and faculty; something that would suit that specific target market and a product that would be successful. The project tested the student's entrepreneurial skills and ability to come up with a cool idea that not only was well made and relatively original, but something that would sell. This is where it became difficult to market a product that Fanshawe students could afford, and although there are many ideas that are great in theory, some may not be realistic. The outcome was amazing nevertheless, featuring a wide variety of products that were not limited to fashion endeavours.
Working in groups of four, the students came up with some great ideas and marketed these products so well with incredible displays, tags, flyers and even matching outfits worn by the salespeople. Some of the products sold included chocolate covered strawberries; marketed with Easter tags that were perfect for gifts for friends and family. There were also fancy French macaroons, as well as smoothies. The food endeavours ended up paying quite well and emulating success from Fanshawe students. These ideas were well-done, and tasty; probably the best products to sell at Fanshawe earning them the most sales, but I still appreciated just as much the hand crafted designs that were sold by remaining fashion students.
One group sold hand crafted, recycled fashion clutches made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and each clutch was completely original and one of a kind. Another group targeted our nostalgia and sold cassette tapes made into small clutches that were perfect for storing your cards and phone when going to the bar. My absolute favourite business venture, however, were the hand-painted umbrellas. Featuring many designs such as flowers, polka dots, ladybugs, and even birdcages, the umbrellas were a great idea and although they may not have sold out at Fanshawe, the makers have been garnering a lot of interest from friends and family members who want to purchase a stylish one of a kind umbrella.
All in all I think the students learned a lot about selling and marketing products and I'm sure it will teach them in turn to be more inclined to support local because whether it's London or Toronto or anywhere across the world; DIY and one of a kind products are special, and the artisans behind the ventures deserve praise for their fantastic ideas.
