Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Vancouver Art Institute

The Art institute's Tasshia Pamintuan has always loved painting and art. Throughout her high school years growing up in Whistler, B.C., she took many graphic design and art classes. In grade 12, she had the unique opportunity to take a textile class. At that point, she shifted from graphics to fashion. After just a quick two-week summer break after high school graduation, she started the fashion design and merchandising program during the summer semester. Talk about determination.

Originally from Manila, Philippines, some of her very first inspirations for design came from there. A little shop that sold beads, school and craft supplies was close to her house and her brother and her would create necklaces and bracelets. The makings of a design student. Old Paris and old photographs inspire her line. Think photographs from back alleys, street lamps and cabarets in Montmarte mixed with the cafes on the Rue de Rivoli. She's also been inspired by Grecian architecture, with her draping techniques.

"Audrey Hepburn is my muse, with the whole classic, very feminine look," said Pamintuan. The line she has put together for graduation is women's evening wear geared towards the mid 20s to early 30s. One of her looks is a super low cut, sweetheart neck dress with a pleated waistband and another is a Grecian inspired piece with again a sweetheart neck, sits off the shoulder with side cowls and a lot of draping. As for her color schemes, she's been doing a lot of trend forecasting but was first inspired by old photographs. Playing on the sepia and vintage looking colour themes, she originally had a lot of creams and beiges. "I've always loved purple so I started from there and branched out into some different tones," she said. Her line has a wide variety of pastel purple, pink and blue tones. Something else that inspires her on days she's feeling, "uninspired" are street style photos and blogs such as Fashion Toast and Childhood Flames. She also looks up to Viktor & Rolf and Alexander Wang.

Focus and determination have got her to where she is today at such a young age. She will be graduating in March 2010, and until then will be working hard to prepare for her grad show."I'm excited to graduate. I'm excited to see what is going to happen next." When she's not designing, she's eating out. "I love to eat out, I can't deny it," admit Pamintuan. " I just love food and trying new things." Her favorite of the moment is Mali Thai on Main Street. After graduation, she plans to stay local. "I feel like there's not enough fashion in Vancouver, I want it to be bigger," said Pamintuan. "I think it has real potential." Ultimately what she wants to get into is styling, "I love how you can create a story with an editorial. Just by using clothes you can express so many things." Although she's into styling, she won't turn down any other opportunities that come her way. "I'm open to anything. I went from arts and graphic design, to fashion."

To see Tasshia Pamintuan's collection you'll have to wait for the next Art Institute grad fashion show scheduled for the fall of 2010. For more information on their fashion design program please visit the website at http://www.artinstitutes.edu/Vancouver/.