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.
Get to know our in-house expertise
Dr. Syed Naveed Rizvi
Lead Fabric Scientist, Fashion Exchange
Dr. Syed Naveed Rizvi is an accomplished Textile Researcher with over a decade of expertise in textiles, wearable materials, and PPE. With a proven track record in driving innovation and managing complex research projects, Syed excels in designing experiments to quantify material properties and is known for his analytical and creative problem-solving skills. His technical proficiency, mentoring, and strategic thinking position him to further advance the textile industry. Syed has a Ph.D. from The University of Manchester and an MSc. in Textile Technology. His commitment to learning and impactful contributions are evident through scholarships, awards, and publications.
Areas of Expertise: Textile Recycling, Wearables, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), Medical Textiles, Textile Material Property Analysis
James Matsouka
Research Project Coordinator
James Matsouka is a Research Project Coordinator, helping to oversee research projects within the GBP Fashion Exchange (FX). As a recent design graduate passionate about accessibility and inclusive design, James’ interests include user research, usability testing and information architecture. In addition to design, he also has a communications background with experience drafting a variety of communications for both internal and external stakeholders. James has a B.A. English Language and Literature (University of Western Ontario), Post-Graduate Certificate, Corporate Communications and Public Relations (Centennial College), and a B.A. Honors Bachelor of Digital Experience Design from George Brown Polytechnic.
Areas of Expertise: project management, stakeholder communication, user research, usability testing
Carlos Collantes
Carlos Collantes is a professor in the Fashion Techniques and Design program at George Brown Polytechnic, bringing over a decade of teaching experience and deep expertise in pattern drafting, grading, marker making, and production sewing. A graduate of the program, Carlos also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. He began his teaching career as a private tutor, where he developed a student-centered approach that continues to shape his classroom philosophy today. In addition to teaching, Carlos has played a key role in curriculum development and research, with an emphasis on integrating digital tools such as Gerber and PAD software. His professional background includes design and production work for local fashion brands, alterations and tailoring, and contributions to props and costumes for major television and advertising productions. At George Brown’s Fashion Exchange, Carlos has worked as a technical designer and served as interim production manager, supporting industry partnerships and small-scale manufacturing. His own design work has been featured at Fashion Art Toronto. What Carlos enjoys most about the fashion industry is witnessing the full creative process unfold, from sketch to pattern, fabric to garment, runway to production line. He strives to foster that same sense of discovery and possibility in his students, encouraging them to find their own “perfect fit” within the industry.
Areas of Expertise: Pattern drafting, pattern grading, marker making, production sewing