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BACK IN THE DAY

Fashion Resource Centre celebrates silver anniversary

STUDYING FASHION HAS BEEN a part of Seneca since the College opened its doors in 1967.

And in 2015, the College's unique Fashion Resource Centre celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. The Centre boasts one of the largest vintage clothing and apparel collections available for study, with garments and accessories dating back to the mid-1800s.

“Everything old is new again” is an adage frequently used to explain the cyclic nature of fashion. And it is true. A strong background in the history of fashion is an important foundation for anyone considering entering the industry. Fashion is based on the understanding of what constitutes good design. Designers often look to the past for inspiration and filter it through the present to create future fashion.

Today, our nationally renowned Fashion Resource Centre houses approximately 15,000 fashion items that can provide the inspiration student designers need to fuse past and present. The opportunity to examine the actual garments worn by men, women and children makes the past far more relevant. We can actually touch what people wore during a given era and talk about why they wore it, what was happening (socially, politically and technologically) that would have affected their fashion choices. An item at the Centre can be examined from a variety of perspectives: how it was made, what type of fabric allowed for its design to be realized and, most importantly, what makes it stand the test of time.

There is an impressive historical range of garments available for Seneca students to explore, such as an 1800s Civil War widow's attire; a beaded 1920s flapper dress; an exotic 1930s monkey fur stole; psychedelic 1960s mini dresses; and minimalist styles from the 2000s.

Canadian and International designers on display include Marilyn Brooks; Claire Haddad; Seneca alumna Senator Vivienne Poy; Wayne Clark; Chanel; Dior; Givenchy; McQueen and Yves St. Laurent, to mention just a few.

The Fashion Resource Centre was created because Seneca faculty members were, and continue to be, dedicated to making the study of fashion come alive for our students. Our collection continues to grow with new donations each year. Over the next 25 years, and beyond, the Centre will continue to open its doors - and the imaginations of students - through displays, exhibitions and seminars that help them design the future by bringing the past to life.

Dale Peers, Costume Coordinator, Fashion Resource Centre and Fashion Arts Program Coordinator, Professor and Seneca alumna

44 RED 2015