Gowns for a Good Cause

By WorldSkills International

Not only has this skill area changed its name for this Competition (earlier Ladies Dressmaking), a handful of Experts led by Chief Expert Jozée Dulude and a very determined Workshop Supervisor took it upon themselves to give the audience a real treat at WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

Fashion Technology joined the Canadian Cancer Society and arranged for a fundraiser event called ‘Design for the Cure’.

The first ever fashion show where models hit the runway to show the work of the Competitors, was staged during the Farewell Party after the Closing Ceremony. This year’s theme was wedding dresses and the fashion show ended in a silent auction, where mainly brides-to-be were bidding for their favourite dresses.

“We would like to give purpose to the product of our competition. We auctioned off the wedding gowns to raise awareness for the Cancer Society, spotlight the good work our trade is known for and find a useful, welcoming home for the wedding gowns.” Said Brenda Speirs-Fryatt, WorkShop Supervisor for Fashion Technology.

Fashion Technology also participated in the “People’s Choice Award”, where Carol Sidler from Switzerland, who also won the gold medal, took the award.

The Experts from Fashion Technology each brought a traditional piece of clothing from their home country/region, to auction off for the same cause. These brought in $4000 alone making the total $16,343.

VIDEO: Aimee Donahue from the Canadian Cancer Society speaks about their involvement with the Fashion Technology component of the 40th WorldSkills Competition in Calgary. Our WorldSkills TV Host, Alesia Fieldberg, models a medal winning wedding gown created by Finnish Competitor, Marianna Luoma, at the farewell party and People's Choice Awards of WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

Watch this story and more on WorldSkills TV.