George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Barbara Starr
Biography
For over 30 years Barbara Starr has been owner and designer of Terra Cotta Clothing Design, a full-service design company. In addition to producing two collections a year under the label Terra Cotta, TC Clothing Design offers a full range of design services including private label design and production, pattern making, pattern grading, sample making, production management, bridal gown design and production, costume design and private instruction in sewing, pattern making and design at her Toronto studio. Her company is committed ethical practices in sourcing and production. TC Clothing Design keeps all production local to Toronto, and sources Canadian products.
Offered a semester teaching position at the Nova Scotia School of Design in 2016 Barbara began to share her expertise and knowledge in pattern making, garment construction, lingerie design, domestic production and sewing techniques, which she continues to do at George Brown Polytechnic.
Academic Credentials
- University of California, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Arts in Economics
- University of Washington Textile Design Graduate Program
- UCLA Extension Fashion Design
Areas of Specialization
- Pattern Drafting
- Garment Construction
- Lingerie Design and Construction
Areas of Expertise
- Production Management, Domestic Production
- Sample Making
- PAD pattern making and grading
- Instruction and Curriculum Design
- Costume design for Dance and Theatre
Career Highlights
- Founder & Owner Terra Cotta Clothing Design
- Instructor George Brown Polytechnic
- Instructor Nova Scotia School of Design
- Co-Founder & Owner Thom Fish Design
- Costumer York University Dance Ensemble
- Costumer LA County High School for the Performing Arts
- Costumer Cabrillo Ballet Company
Other Activities
- Twinging Loom Weaving
- Textile Surface Design and Natural Dyes
- Accessory Design and Production
Awards
- Matinee Fashion Design Award 2000 and 2001