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Slow [Anti-Fast] Fashion


April 17 - June 19, 2024. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

At the Ottawa School of Art Downtown Campus.

Through a series of classes that build, this progressive class leads you through uncovering the essence of your fashion style, allowing you to artistically transform clothing through upcycling, revamping, and altering – rediscovering meaning in getting dressed.

Notable designers, artists, and radical environmental movements are briefed and discussed from the standpoint of media, technique, and art vs. fashion. As a bonus to artists, these techniques are easy to translate into any art practice. Some technology may be required. There is basic machine-sewing, and hand sewing and a supply list is required to get fully creative.

In the first class, you are expected to come prepared with: 

    • a sketchbook of any size, a glue stick, and magazines to tear up 
    • A collection of cutouts (from magazines or photos) and ideas that appeal to you
      • Consider finishes, textures to replicate, and fabric treatments like gathering, applique, embroidery, or fringe. 
    • or technology with Pinterest and Canva tools

Collage a page or three of images, statements, quotes, or whatever appeals to you to prepare you for the next 9 sessions.

Vivienne Westwood's Save The Arctic Pullover

In the second class, we'll discuss statements like Vivienne Westwood's "Save The Arctic" and her many ways of voicing this protest. Reflecting on the first class, what statement would you like to get across and how would you like to express it? Do you need to use words? Could you use an image or colour to express yourself? There is no pressure with this project but simply an exercise in non-verbal communication.

For the third class, you are invited to bring in an under-worn or moth-loved oversized Cardigan or sweater or something similar and we will reform it into a ... let's look at your work from the first class again and decide together. Maybe you'll add some visible mending like elbow patches, or turn it into a sweater dress, or something you've always wanted to try.

We will have a sewing machine available and hand-sewing is encouraged. There will not be any homework but you might feel the desire to work on your pieces after-hours.

Register for this special interest course at The Ottawa School of Art, jot every Wednesday evening, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., starting April 17 - June 19, 2024, in your calendar, bring your creativity and a few things from the supply list.

A minimum number of registrations is required to avoid cancellation of a course. Please register 5 days before the start date.


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