Vancouver Fashion Week

Model poses in Shhh Fashion

By Christina Chibani

A former St. Clair College fashion design student is showcasing her “daring and edgy” fashion designs at the Vancouver Fashion Week this month.

Ashley Regnier, 27, is a Windsorite trying to make a name for herself in the fashion world by working on her fashion design called Shhh Fashion which includes her two collections Lady Noir and Wasteland.

“I am a one woman show doing everything from designing, drafting and sewing, to marketing, accounting, photography and everything in between,” said Regnier.

For the past 28 seasons VFW has allowed 80 young fashion designers including 38 from Canada to showcase their unique talents from all around the world.

“I did have to cover my plane and hotel. I’m currently working full time at a retail store because fabric is very expensive and the brand is still very new and so not financially supportive yet, but any free time I have I’m either drawing or finding inspirations for my next line,” said Regnier.

Regnier has been supplied with 12 models, a hair and makeup team, a backstage manager and two dressers. Also, Regnier’s sponsorship covers the cost of the venue, security and DJ.

“My look for this year’s line is way different from the style of my previous line. My first collection was an entirely black winter collection, kind of on the high end ‘goth’ look, where as this year is a western kind of feel that was inspired by the Burning Man festival in Nevada,” said Regnier.

Regnier was nominated by Elaine Chatwood, the St. Clair College fashion design coordinator. She said Regnier is part of the runway because she has a clothing collection brand with different looks that are ready to be accepted for orders and buyers, along with a website and social media platforms.

“This is a chance to start to build their brand and create relationships with buyers, retailers, suppliers, other designers and the press. There will be international press coverage from all the major industry leaders at this event,” said Chatwood.

Regnier currently works from home and sells her designs ranging from $60 to $150. She is already in the process of working on a new holiday collection and will be showcasing her current collection called Wasteland at the VFW.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for Ashley and what a testament to our college slogan “Start Here Go Anywhere”. We wish her continued success and St. Clair College is proud to be part of her journey,” said John Fairley, St. Clair College vice president of communications and community relations.