The LBCC Fashion program continues to create opportunities for fashion students by maintaining hands-on learning active through online learning. The program has been able to provide sewing machines for their students, guest speakers, and multiple scholarship opportunities.
Chantel Bryant, an associate professor in the fashion program said, “We were able to purchase 75 brand new sewing machines for our students and gave them out in the beginning of the semester and had a drive-thru pickup for the sewing machines.”
Since the fashion program is a hands-on learning experience, there have been struggles on students getting their necessary materials.
Bryant said, “In the beginning of the pandemic a lot of people and companies used a lot of fabric to make face masks so it was very hard for our students to get that material.”
“What we were able to do is create a packet or kit with all the necessary materials that students are not able to purchase themselves, like fabric and students were also able to pick up in the beginning of the semester,” said Bryant.
Guest speakers have also become a part of the program. One guest speaker included a former LBCC student, Thulani Ngazimbi, who went on to create his own fashion brand known as The Rad Black Kids.
Ngazimbi talked about the process of creating his own brand all while making sure to keep it sustainable and ethical.
Scholarships have also been introduced to fashions students to help support their studies.
“A scholarship that fashion students can participate in is the Judith Hendler Competition,” said Pamela Knights, the LBCC fashion program director.
“Students can enter the competition and receive a cash prize if they win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place,” said Knights.
A way to get involved in the fashion program is by joining the Fashion Network Club, which is currently not active because of the pandemic but, both Bryant and Knights hope to revive the club in the fall.
To currently keep up with the fashion program and learn about the classes that are being offered each semester, follow their instagram page.