Jason Meyers' Advice to Fashion Students

Jason Meyers is an accomplished Canadian designer having been singled out by Fashion Television as “One to Watch” right out of school and making it to the top three in Season 2 of Canada’s Project Runway. But the best part? Jason Meyers is also an Academy of Design alumni so I had the privilege to interview him at his studio last week.

How did your education at the Academy of Design prepare you for working in the industry?

Well, the instructors there are supportive even now, but for me going to the Academy was a conscious decision – I needed to learn how to make clothes. When I went to the Academy I left my first career as a financial advisor. I wanted to make clothes and the best school in the shortest amount of time was the Academy and they equipped me with the tools I now have to make clothing. But in the end you need to go out, learn the industry, the markets – all that.

In what ways do the Academy instructors continue to support you?

I have a relationship with a couple of the instructors: if I need interns, or they come to shows for support and that’s great. For me the design program was just to learn to make clothes and I had to do that to get my business off the ground and for that it was amazing. But there was one instructor there named Ron Catahan, he was the best instructor ever. He’s not with us anymore unfortunately, but he was amazing – he was a really important piece to me in moving forward and he was very supportive. The instructors believe in you and just try to show you the way, and it’s always good coming from a school where they’re industry professionals rather than just ‘teachers’, so they give a lot of experience in terms of their past knowledge.

What is the job market like out there for grads of the fashion programs?

Tough, really tough, and it’s tough being Canadian. With my brand I’ve always designed higher end clothing, like dresses for extravagant events, but I’m rebranding my collection now to be more wearable and street; still high-end but more everyday and that’s important, that’s a whole learning process. You go to school and it’s like, ‘This is amazing, I’m making clothes.’ But then you come out of it and you need to figure out where the market is, who’s going to buy what – I’m trying to drop my price point and keep the quality. And I mean that’s directly related to what H&M and Forever 21 are doing, you can buy a dress for $30, but you’re only going to wear it once. As a designer you have to make the price more feasible for the general public.

Hope Jason’s words of wisdom hope all you fashion students soon to graduate or just thinking about the future, and be sure to check out his website: http://www.jasonmeyers.net/


-Hallae Khosravi

SUMMER HOICES FOR MEN

Though men’s fashion is much more conservative than women’s, that doesn’t mean that there is no change at all. From traditional outfits to the more audacious ones, there are plenty of opportunities for the modern man to make a fashion statement. This season, especially, clothes that men wear can be exciting and bold.

Every designer knows that classic pieces and ensembles never go out of style. As another trend of the day fades and is replaced by something else, classic wear stands the test of time. Leather jackets and trench coats are a classic combination of chic and formal that never goes out of style. Shades of beige and camel are also always current. Turtlenecks still bring the flair and keep in the warmth as they have been doing for at least a century. To bring together the complete look, wear a bowler, fedora, or even the knit ski cap (if it suits the occasion).

A classic style from the last year continuing to surge in popularity is military. Parkas in shades of grey and beige are the way to stay warm this year. Bomber jackets also remain a popular choice, and they go quite well with combat boots. Camouflage clothing is still in, and don’t worry – it won’t look out of place in a street setting.

If you are looking for an edgier, more rugged look, then the currently stylish rocker look (leather pants and a ripped t-shirt) might be up your alley. If you fancy the working man’s style, then try wearing a flannel work shirt. By coupling it with the ever-reliable blue jeans and heavy boots you will get one of the chicest looks of the season.

This year men’s fashion runs the whole gamut from classic to cutting-edge. There is sure to be a look there to appeal to men from all walks of life.

Tim Gunn Bans Snooki and Teen Mom

And now for further proof that Tim Gunn is a true genius and can do no wrong, like I ever had any doubts, he has officially refused to work with the likes of Snooki and MTV reality TV star Amber Portwood of Teen Mom. "We're not dressing Snooki, we're not doing any of that stuff," he told StyleList about the upcoming season of Project Runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Despite the show's regular use of guest celebrities, who in the past have included Nicole Ritchie, Victoria Beckham, and Sarah Jessica Parker, Gunn said that he would refuse to make it work with both of the reality TV show stars.

"I will throw down the gauntlet," he said defiantly. "I do nothing that mitigates bad behaviour, I want an end to it."

For those of you who, like me, are sick of the fist-pumping, the boozing, the chest baring, and the underage pregnancies and drama, Gunn's comment brings a sigh of relief. They are everywhere it seems, do they really have to infiltrate the fashion world as well? For now the answer appears to be a resounding "no" and thank goodness... as far as I'm concerned Jersey Shore fashion should be left on the Jersey Shore.

Bejewelled Ed Hardy and leopard mini dresses? No thank-you!

L. Lalonde