LASALLE COLLEGE AND ACADEMOS SOCIAL NETWORK HARNESS THE POTENTIAL OF QUEBEC’S FASHION INDUSTRY
LaSalle College and Academos announced the launch of the Polychrome campaign. Its goal is to encourage the development of the Quebec fashion industry’s future generation by explaining its practices and presenting inspiring and non-traditional career paths.
The Quebec Fashion Industry
Leading the way in Canada, Quebec’s fashion industry counted 1,833 establishments, 28,325 jobs and $7.6 billion in sales in 2012. In the last two years, this sector has been completely transformed. The number of fashion entrepreneurs and directors under 30 has continued to increase, as has the international presence of Quebec designers.
Getting Young People in Touch with the Industry
LaSalle College partnered with Academos to promote the accessibility and potential of Quebec’s fashion industry among youth between 14 and 30 years old. The “Polychrome” microsite includes a guide covering everything you need to know about the fashion industry, a “What’s your style?” quiz and 3 videos introducing workers in various fashion-related professions. In this guide, young people will get advice from bloggers, designers and other influential players in Quebec’s fashion industry, including: Lamia Boucheneb, fashion style blogger and mentor through Academos; Camille DG, founder and editor of Le Cahier blog; Michel Delisle, Director, People and Culture at Frank + Oak; Nathalie Deshaies, director of communications, training and communities at Anges Québec; Noemie Vaillancourt, designer and founder of Noemiah; Sandra Parker, founder of the LCI Education foundation; Debbie Zakaib, general manager of La Grappe métropolitaine de la mode.
“The world of fashion is undergoing a major transformation in Quebec. Because of this, we’ve noticed new trades and career paths emerging as well as multiple career choices that we could only have imagined a few years ago. In order to help the young people reach their goals, we have to put them in direct contact with the professional world as soon as they enter college. This is what we’re highlighting throughout this campaign,” stated François Bousquet, director of LaSalle College’s International School of Fashion, Arts and Design.
The Polychrome campaign also enjoys support from la Grappe métropolitaine de la mode. Mmode’s goal is to improve competitiveness and contribute to the growth of Quebec’s fashion industry by acting as the community’s main platform for exchange and collaboration. This initiative was first introduced to hundreds of students attending the National Education Fair so they can discover the professional world of fashion and develop an interest in this multidisciplinary industry. Aldo, Dynamite and UNTTLD also took part in the project.