The Fashion Design & Techniques program gave me everything I needed to start my career in the fashion industry.

I always loved fashion and sewing, but my skills and understanding were fundamental. The course structure at GBC was perfect because they introduced you to all the foundations of sewing and pattern drafting in a manageable way. By the end of the first year, I honestly looked back and couldn't believe how much I had learned and improved my skills.

The instructors are knowledgeable and can all speak from their own experiences in the industry, which I found very valuable. There are also many opportunities to participate in design competitions and attend events that challenge your skills and help you grow outside the classroom.

I would recommend George Brown to anyone interested in pursuing a career in fashion design.

This program holds a very special place in my heart. It’s been amazing to reflect on all the skills I’ve gained and the incredible people I’ve met. I’ve felt truly supported and seen throughout my time at GBC and even after graduation. The continued support from my professors as I embarked on my alumni career journey has meant so much to me. I’m really going to miss being at GBC and wish I could do it all over again!

When I first started, I had already launched my brand, Inward, but my skills were quite basic—I could only sew with stretch fabrics and didn’t even know what a dart was. I had many ideas but struggled to bring them to life. I chose to invest two years into studying this craft because I believed it was the ideal amount of time to acquire the skills I needed without a prolonged commitment. By the end of my first semester, I was thrilled to sew a perfect pleated skirt, which felt like a huge achievement.

The program’s focus on essential skills and high standards for construction quality has been incredibly valuable. I’ve gained practical skills in illustration, drafting, and construction, and built strong connections with my teachers. It provided a safe and inspiring space to create. I’ve already recommended this program to many friends, and even though the time has flown by, it’s emotional to think about the end of this chapter. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their fashion skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.

In the beginning, when you launch a business, there are so many expenses. Being able to do a lot of these things myself, whether it was pattern drafting, sewing, grading — I saved so much money because I learned these skills at George Brown.

-Premier's Award nominee, recent graduate category, 2023. Learn more about Emefa's success after graduation.

"I am thankful for all the learning opportunities I have been given at FX and School of Fashion and Jewellery, George Brown Polytechnic. I have been lucky to have such amazing teachers and mentors. Ula Zukowska was my Industrial Power Sewing instructor at FX and later taught me construction sewing at George Brown Polytechnic in the Fashion Techniques and Design Program. Ula hired me upon graduating from the Fashion Techniques program and I am deeply grateful. I would also like to acknowledge Berta Pavlov who is the instructor of the PAD software certificate program who gave me the skills to become a technical designer in fashion. I am fortunate enough to be able to work at FX and be surrounded by experts and masters in the fashion industry and be able to help the team create such amazing new designs and products."

“My success at George Brown Polytechnic was facilitated by the supportive professors genuinely invested in my progression, a diverse community of passionate students I connected with, and extra-curricular opportunities for growth. Within the Fashion Techniques and Design program, I was able to gain the skills necessary to actualize prior concepts. Professors such as Cynthia Givens-Sanford offered me inspiration, opportunity, and mentorship and were consistently supportive of my creative strides both within, and outside the classroom.  When challenge and genuine support are experienced in tandem, it is a recipe for success - I experienced this throughout my studies at George Brown, and I will continue to pursue this balance within my career. “

"I entered George Brown Polytechnic without any fashion design experience. The technical curriculum left me finishing each day with a new skill at my disposal. Alongside guest lectures, competitions and paid work experiences granted through the school, my George Brown education helped take me all the way to Belgium to continue my studies at the prestigious Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts (although this decision was almost swayed by an amazing job offer in Toronto)! I can't express enough my gratitude for having learned so much in just two years."

"The George Brown grad show was pretty much the first time I saw something that had gone from my concept to actually walking down a runway. It was a huge moment for me. Going from not knowing how to use a sewing machine to coming up with a 15-piece collection right out of school that showed in Vancouver Fashion Week is all credit to my alma mater."

"My advice to students is to take as many opportunities as you can. Apply for events, awards and shows. I was able to be in the Global Edge program and go to India, but was also shortlisted as one of five new menswear designers to showcase at the first Toronto Men's Fashion Week. I actually won the Emerging Menswear Designer Award that year! That wouldn't have happened if I didn't apply for the opportunity in the first place."