TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2020 /CNW/ – The Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute (SRFI) at Ryerson University is proud to announce a five-year program renewal that will continue to foster Canada’s exceptional fashion design talent. This significant investment is the largest contribution made by a donor in direct support of emerging fashion designers in the country.
Photo Credit: Brian Rankin (CNW Group/The Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute, Ryerson University)
The second gift of $1 million from The Edward and Suzanne Rogers Foundation continues to enable design students and recent alumni from the School of Fashion in the Faculty of Communication and Design (FCAD) to nurture their talent and build on their academic achievements. The program provides a foundation for the Fellows’ success within the global fashion industry.
“The generosity of the Rogers family and the Rogers Communications Inc. entities have changed the lives of hundreds of students from across our university,” said Ryerson University President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi. “From research chairs, to scholarships to capital donations, their contributions have been instrumental to building Ryerson’s reputation as a leader in innovative education.”
Designed to bridge the transition between fashion education and practice, the SRFI provides valuable learning opportunities and networking possibilities for young professionals entering a competitive fashion landscape. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive support early in academic and creative careers, the SRFI provides mentorship, industry guidance, entrepreneurial insights, and financial assistance. Honorary patron, Suzanne Rogers is a champion of rising creative talent while enhancing their global competitiveness.
“It is so important to recognize and continue to support and mentor the promising talent we have so they can advance their education and career as they navigate through this time. My hope is to assist these brilliant designers and alleviate some of the obstacles designers face within the industry,” says Suzanne Rogers.
Transformative resources provided by the Institute have proven central to Fellows’ success on a national and international scale. Nationally, the SRFI empowers emerging Canadian designers by recognizing outstanding potential not only as artists but as entrepreneurs and future leaders. Internationally, Fellows can experience global markets through internships, competitions, networking, career opportunities, and receive world-class post-graduate opportunities and master’s educations with other leading institutions.
“The fellowship has paved the way for me to focus on innovation and creativity, allowing me to explore new ways to create fashion ethically and sustainably,” says Olivia Rubens. “As the winner of two major awards at the International Talent Support Competition 2020, I am proud to have global recognition for my work which has been enthusiastically supported by the SRFI since day one.”
As the SRFI continues to launch young designers professionally, FCAD further supports their career development with its robust and interdisciplinary ecosystem, including the Creative Innovation Studio and the Fashion Zone, an entrepreneurial hub for the next wave of creatives. Applications for the next SRFI cohort will open in the spring with the announcement of the new Fellows in summer 2021.
