Carla Hespanha
Fashion Arts Advanced Diploma
Seneca Polytechnic
Specialisms: Genderless / Womenswear / Apparel
Location: Montreal, Canada
Carla Hespanha
First Name: Carla
Last Name: Hespanha
Specialisms: Genderless / Womenswear / Apparel
Sectors: Fashion/Textiles/Accessories / Fashion/Textiles/Accessories / Fashion/Textiles/Accessories
My Location: Montreal, Canada
University / College: Seneca Polytechnic
Course / Program Title: Fashion Arts Advanced Diploma
About
Welcome, I'm Carla, a forward-thinking fashion creative with a passion for non-binary expression, avant-garde design, and imaginative styling. Since 2016, I've immersed myself in the dynamic landscape of the Canadian fashion industry, gaining invaluable experience through internships with esteemed brands like Ines Di Santos Bridal and Canada Goose HQ.
Recently graduating from Seneca College with an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Arts, I'm dedicated to crafting garments that challenge conventional norms and champion inclusivity for all genders and body types. Sustainability lies at the heart of my creative process; I meticulously source deadstock or thrifted materials, ensuring my designs align with ethical practices.
Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and triumphs over adversity, I infuse my creations with meaning, utilizing fashion as a vehicle for healing and empowerment. Join me on this transformative journey as we redefine boundaries and celebrate diversity through the art of clothing.
Introducing "ILL FIT," my standout graduate collection from Seneca College in 2022. This collection delves into the poignant experience of stepping into a fitting room, where the ordeal can often feel like a personal battleground. It's a surreal exploration of the emotional weight carried within those cramped spaces, where every ill-fitting garment becomes a mirror reflecting our insecurities. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, I meticulously sourced materials for "ILL FIT" from thrifted finds and a serendipitous encounter with a closing fabric store. These unconventional avenues infused my collection with a unique energy. Opting for fabrics reminiscent of innocence and whimsy—think florals, pinks, and delicate lace—I sought to juxtapose the harsh reality of the fitting room experience with a touch of nostalgia. Throughout "ILL FIT," I employed beaded fabrics strategically, symbolizing the common struggles with body image, particularly emphasizing and celebrating what society often deems as flaws—cellulite, rolls, imperfections. My aim was clear: to provoke a reconsideration of our societal norms surrounding body image and foster a more compassionate relationship with ourselves. Join me on this transformative journey as "ILL FIT" challenges perceptions and sparks conversations about the power of self-acceptance and body positivity.