Where is the future of fashion? Find out from the very top!

In February 2016, Bruce Sinclair, Program Coordinator of the Fashion Management degree program, tapped into his network to find a guest speaker for the launch of the AFBS (Association of Fashion Business Students).

What an incredible event it turned out to be landing Carrie Kirkman, Sears Canada’s President & Chief Merchant as the keynote speaker. Students and faculty from across The Business School attended the event where Carrie illuminated the audience with stories of her challenges and accomplishments within the fashion industry. Suited to the interactive environment of The Fashion Institute, Carrie opened up the floor to students for question period. She thoroughly answered each and every question giving great insight into the marketplace, how it works and where the job opportunities are. “Everyone wants to be a buyer,” she noted, and highlighted several potential job opportunities such as becoming a planner among other roles that bring success and job security. She helped students open their eyes to the potential of what they could become. 

“It is safe to say that the students were very inspired by Carrie," says Bruce, “she was very sincere and encouraging”. Carrie is also a welcome addition to the advisory committee for the Fashion Management degree program. The role of the committee is to guide the program to fulfill the needs of the industry into the future. Her visionary skills as the head of Sears Canada will help identify upcoming trends and skill sets that will be required in the marketplace.

The energy and excitement of the day was not lost on the students who had come together to form the AFBS - a student-driven, faculty advised group that will lead fashion-related activities including networking, speaking events, placement advice and peer mentoring. Led by student president Brittany Zuick, the association strives to build relationships between all students enrolled in the program and to establish a community seeking new and exciting fashion opportunities. Participants can look forward to an extra-curricular experience filled with relevant, educational and experiential learning.