Biography
Joann Schelstraete has had an extensive career in the Canadian fashion industry. After completing her degree in apparel design from Ryerson University, she sold her collection of knitwear under her Zool label in the late 90s, while also designing for custom clientele. She then went on to design and develop product for many of Canada’s largest retailers including Danier Leather, Roots, Fairweather, Sears, and Eaton’s. During her 16 year tenure at Danier Leather, Joann travelled extensively throughout the US, Europe and Asia, attending trade shows, sourcing fabric and gathering inspiration. She created and presented the trend direction for the company each season and was instrumental in developing standards and processes for the design and technical teams. Joann is currently the Managing Director & Head of Product at Mini Mioche, a prominent Toronto based children’s wear retailer that locally knits, dyes and produces infant and kid’s apparel specializing in organic fabrics. She presently manages the ecommerce, retail, warehouse, production, product development and merchandising teams. In 2017, Joann began teaching at GBC while continuing to work full-time in the industry.
Academic Credentials
Bachelor of Applied Arts, Apparel Design Major, Ryerson University, School of Fashion, 1994
Professional Achievement Award in Retail Buying, Ryerson University, 2013
Areas of Specialization
World of Fashion (fashion industry overview)
Product Development & Costing
Design & Product Development
Trend Direction
Import and domestic production
Sourcing
Ecommerce and Retail
Merchandising – Buying & Planning
Business Strategy
Career Highlights
Sept 2017 to present: Mini Mioche – Managing Director & Head of Product
Jan 2017-Sept 2017: Sears – Product Manager
March 2016-present: Freelance Design & Consulting
May 2000-March 2016: Danier Leather – Senior Designer
Aug 1999-May 2000: Roots – Technical Designer
June 1998-Aug 1999: Eaton’s – Styling & Fit Analyst
May 1996-June 1998: Fairweather – Design Co-ordinator/Design Technician
June 1995-May 1996: North Studio Inc – Design/Production Manager
Sept 1994-June 1995: Angi Venni – Design/Production Assistant
April 1994-Sept 1994: Celebrity Collection – Design/Production Assistant
Other Activities
Ryerson University, Advisor and Judge for 3rd year leather design competition, 2010-2018
Seneca College, Judge at final fashion show, 2017
Seneca College, Advised graduating students’ on their final collections, 2016
Only employee to be awarded Employee of the Quarter three times at Danier: 2005, 2007, 2010
Designed and developed specialty Blackberry phone cases for Research in Motion, 2007
Designer of the Official ‘Juno Bag’, 2007 and 2008
Finalist in the Smirnoff International Fashion Awards, 1994
Finalist in the Hazelton Lanes New Designer Show, 1994