A Summerland design student will be one of 32 emerging designers to showcase their collections in the Wilson School of Design’s 2018 show.
Lindsey Jenner, a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, was inspired by her grandmother to create a clothing collection for older women.
“As my nana began to age, I realized the difficulties that she faced, especially with dressing on a daily basis while in a retirement centre,” said Jenner. “Ultimately, I wanted to be able to improve her quality of life. My goal was to empower her and give her the ability to wear something stylish and functional, yet that was still easy for herself or her caregiver to put on.”
Her grandmother, Dorleen Ryman, lived in Summerland and now lives in Penticton. Jenner said as her grandmother’s health declined, she had more difficulty with clothing.
As a result, Jenner created the Lady Doe line of clothing for her grandmother and other older women.
This is a collection of everyday clothing in styles easily worn by those who may have difficulties in dressing.
The fabrics and designs are made to be comfortable, and the closures are easier to use than some closures on conventional garments. Even the labels in the clothes are designed to be decorative.
“We were always so close with my nana,” said Jenner. “One of my favourite memories from growing up with her in my life was when my sister Kelsey and I would play dress-up with all of her clothes. That is another reason I started this collection. It was hard to see her not be able to wear the clothes she used to love and that we always wanted to wear.”
Jenner graduated from Summerland Secondary School in 2013 and moved to the Lower Mainland to study fashion.
She is now in her final year at Kwantlen Polytechnic University Richmond’s fashion design and technology program.
She will unveil her clothing line over seven shows on April 19 and 20.
A total of five garments will be displayed on the runway, but Jenner’s full line of clothing will also be on display at a booth at the show.
When the show is over, Jenner will give the clothing to her grandmother.
After she graduates, she plans to become a home economics teacher.
“I want to be able to provide a safe environment for students to be able to explore and learn about various industries so they are able to find who they are as a person, just as I did at school,” she said.