Fashion students produce a live runway event through FSN 706
Last fall, TMU Fashion students stepped into professional roles through FSN 706: Fashion Event Planning (opens in new window) , an immersive course that challenges students to collaboratively plan and produce a full-scale fashion event in just 11 weeks. Designed to mirror industry practice, the course places students at the centre of a live runway production, offering hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of fashion events.
TMU fashion students and alumni pose on the red carpet alongside models wearing their designs. This year’s showcase features TMU alumni P. Kirstine Fernandez, tunggiya, Meraki Marongke, Trish Kapilan, and SOLAR—a team of five students—each bringing fresh perspectives to the event. Photo courtesy of @amir.dabibi_
Throughout the term, students developed show themes, workback schedules, and branding strategies while taking on industry-aligned roles across creative and production teams. The course culminated in a live presentation at Fashion Art Toronto (external link, opens in new window) , where students presented their work to industry professionals and public audiences alike.
“FSN706 plays a pivotal role in the student journey by giving them the opportunity to plan, brand, produce and experience a full fashion show in 11 weeks,” explains Fashion and course instructor Susan Langdon. “They work collaboratively, manage deadlines, solve problems, and pitch their ideas to industry leaders, including Chair of Fashion, Joseph Medaglia and Toronto-based creative and the founder of L’Uomo Strano, Mic Carter. The experience culminates in presenting their work to both industry and consumer audiences at Fashion Art Toronto — a true real-world setting that brings their learning to life. The result is an authentic, confidence-building experience that prepares them for the realities of the fashion industry.”
From TMU’s showcase at FAT. Photo courtesy of @bellescx22
Photo courtesy of @amir.dabibi_
For fourth-year Fashion student Jahna Bird, who served as fashion show producer and creative director, the experience affirmed her creative direction. "FSN 706 (opens in new window) was one of the most hands-on, inspiring and motivational courses I have ever experienced,” she says. “Having my concept chosen as our class’ Fashion Art Toronto runway theme and being trusted to produce it only further intensified my ambition towards my future within creative and art direction for fashion.”
Second-year Fashion student Sadia Tasnim, who took on the role of production manager, entered the course without an interest in event planning. “This class has given me such a memorable experience as it was my very first event production,” she says. “Going into this class, I didn’t think event planning was something I wanted to pursue, but after this class, I think it’s something I would love to participate in more going forward.”
FSN 706 (opens in new window) gives students a real-world platform to test ideas, lead projects, and see their work realized—preparing them to step into the fashion industry with practical skills and confidence. Learn more about the Fashion Art Toronto and School of Fashion collaboration here (opens in new window) .
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.