Fashion Techniques and Design - Graduated 2003
If you’re a fan of Project Runway Canada then you’ll recognize Season 2 contestant and George Brown grad, Camille Prins. Selected as one of Canada’s most talented up-and-coming designers, Prins calls on her boundless energy and creativity when designing for her label, Dutch Blonde. She also credits the technical skills she learned at George Brown. “My education played a pivotal part of my career,” she says.
Growing up in Calgary, Prins had an interest in fashion from an early age. In order to move beyond dreaming up collections to actually producing them, she moved to Toronto, which she regarded as a major fashion centre. After looking into the available programs, Prins selected George Brown because of its focus on the technical side of fashion design. Prins had confidence in her creative talent but wanted a setting that would teach her the skills she needed.
“I feel so lucky that I got into George Brown,” she explains.“ They focus so much on the technical aspects of the industry, which is really important when you get out there. The program took care of me by teaching me things like sewing and pattern drafting.”
Along with the hands-on learning, Prins was also impressed by the quality and passion of the faculty. While she says all the professors were amazing, it was Rosa Fracassa, Fashion Coordinator of the School of for Fashion Studies who had the biggest influence on her. Prins recalls that Rosa was always challenging her students to ensure they were ready for the industry. Pop quizzes like 30-second design tests helped push Prins to new levels.
Another motivator was George Brown’s Annual Fashion Show. Students who were selected to participate would have their work showcased in front of people from the industry. Prins had her designs featured both years she was at George Brown and felt it was a great experience to be part of.
After graduation, Prins pursued an internship in England, working for a designer as they prepared for London Fashion Week. She admits going to London was a bit nerve-wracking, but within the first day realized she knew everything that she needed to know to be a part of the team and get the collection ready for the runway. “I was perfectly prepared for the opportunity,” she states.
In addition to putting her skills to work, Prins was eager to learn about the business side of fashion. She took jobs in sales and with a Canadian company that had her travelling to New York and Costa Rica. Finally, she was ready to launch her own line, Dutch Blonde, in 2004.
Now her work has been seen on a national scale with her participation on Project Runway Canada. “I was so excited to be a part of the show,” recalls Prins. “At times it was like a dream vacation. There was intense pressure, but overall it was an amazing, fun experience. It’s a great way to get your name out there. I would recommend it to any designer or student.”
With 10 million TV viewers knowing Prins and the Dutch Blonde label, her career is rising even faster. And when you read about her, you’ll probably see a mention of George Brown. She sums up her education as such, “It was exactly what I needed. Two years — in and out — very intense. It gave me the skills I needed to go forward.”
