About Us
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Who we are
The Academy of Fashion Design, located in the vibrant city of Saskatoon, Canada, stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. Grounded in a rich tradition of craftsmanship and forward-thinking design, our institution has earned a strong reputation for fostering collaboration, ingenuity, and excellence.
Supported by a dynamic community of passionate faculty, staff, students, and alumni, we offer a wide array of fashion design programs that cater to diverse skill levels and aspirations. With a state-of-the-art learning environment and access to cutting-edge resources, we equip our students to succeed in both national and global fashion industries.
Our academy embodies resilience and a problem-solving mindset, inspired by our deep roots in the fashion world and the contributions of our talented community. This spirit of creativity and determination shapes the future of those who join us on this transformative journey.
Founded in 1997 in Saskatoon, the Academy of Fashion Design (AFD) cultivates creativity and excellence in fashion design education. Students at the Academy of Fashion Design are prepared for successful careers in the fashion industry through its innovative curriculum. A current plan program teaches essential skills such as design theory, pattern making, garment construction, and fashion business management.
Our Vision
The Academy of Fashion Design inspires and empowers individuals in Saskatoon and beyond through collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to fashion education, design, and innovation. We are committed to discovering, teaching, sharing, and applying knowledge in the creative arts to enrich our cultural community. As an innovative and inclusive institution, we provide an accessible and welcoming environment for students, educators, and designers from around the world. We serve the public good by connecting creative discovery, teaching, and outreach, promoting diversity, and preparing students for successful careers as engaged global citizens in the fashion industry.
Our Mission
We aim to contribute to a sustainable fashion future by being a leader in areas of emerging design trends and innovation. Through outstanding creative research, scholarly work, and artistic endeavors, we will address the needs and aspirations of the fashion industry locally and globally. Our commitment to exceptional teaching, community engagement, and the promotion of sustainable practices will help us shape the future of fashion. We strive to be an institution of excellence in design, knowledge-sharing, reconciliation, and inclusion, particularly with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish The Academy of Fashion Design as a leading hub for excellence in fashion education, where digital innovation, ethical practices, and community empowerment converge. By leveraging technology, fostering talent, and championing sustainability, we aspire to shape a future where fashion thrives as a force for creativity, inclusivity, and positive impact.”
Our Mission
To cultivate creativity, innovation, and sustainability in fashion education, empowering students with cutting-edge technology and industry-focused training. Through collaboration, guidance, and community engagement, we inspire the next generation of fashion leaders to drive positive change in Saskatchewan and beyond.
Our Principles and Values
The Academy of Fashion Design believes in principles that are vital to our mission and vision, alongside a commitment to key values that shape the way we operate.
Our community upholds the following principles:
- Creative freedom
- Collaboration
- Commitment to community and culture
- Respect for diverse perspectives and approaches to learning
- Promoting diversity, equality, and human dignity
- Pursuit of excellence
- Supporting a healthy and nurturing learning environment
- Encouraging innovation, curiosity, and creativity
- Transparency and accountability
- Reconciliation and inclusivity
- Sustainable and ethical practices
Our academy is committed to upholding the following values:
- Collegiality and teamwork
- Fairness and equitable treatment of all individuals
- Inclusiveness and respect for all
- Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior
- Respect for all forms of creative expression and cultural heritage
Our Principles and Values
At Academy of Fashion Design , we see fashion as a universal language that spans across cultures, traditions, and industries. From haute couture to streetwear, Indigenous fashion to sustainable design, we believe that every type of fashion holds unique value and can contribute to a more diverse, ethical, and innovative industry. Our mission is to educate designers who not only excel in their craft but are also mindful of fashion’s global and cultural impact. These guiding principles reflect our commitment to inclusivity, responsibility, and creativity.
1. Creative Freedom with Cultural and Industry Awareness
We encourage students to explore their creativity freely, whether they are drawn to avant-garde fashion, traditional craftsmanship, or the latest trends in tech-integrated clothing. However, we stress the importance of cultural and industry awareness—encouraging respect for the symbols, stories, and identities that influence design. Students are taught to engage thoughtfully with global and Indigenous traditions, working in ways that celebrate rather than appropriate.
2. Excellence Across All Fashion Disciplines
Excellence takes many forms in fashion. Whether students are pursuing luxury fashion, Indigenous textiles, eco-conscious collections, or mass-market designs, we push them to reach the highest standards in their chosen fields. From mastering technical skills to understanding industry trends, our programs equip students to lead with distinction in any fashion sector. Excellence is about honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
3. Ethics and Fairness in All Fashion Practices
Fashion has a profound impact on people and communities, and we are committed to teaching students the importance of ethics across all sectors. Whether working with Indigenous artisans, manufacturers, or global brands, students learn the principles of fair trade, transparency, and responsible business practices. We emphasize the importance of fair compensation, respectful collaboration, and ethical sourcing throughout the fashion supply chain.
4. Sustainability and Innovation
Fashion is one of the most resource-intensive industries, and we are dedicated to instilling sustainability in everything we do. Students are taught to integrate eco-friendly materials and practices into their designs, whether they are inspired by traditional Indigenous methods or cutting-edge innovations like 3D printing and biodegradable fabrics. We believe in promoting a circular economy in fashion, where both traditional and modern approaches contribute to reducing waste and protecting the planet.
5. Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation
At [School Name], we believe fashion should represent and celebrate every community. We champion diversity and inclusion by promoting all forms of fashion—Indigenous, sustainable, high-fashion, and everyday wear—and ensuring that students from all backgrounds have a platform to express their identities. We teach our students that fashion should be inclusive, reflecting the richness of different cultures, body types, gender identities, and abilities.
6. Collaboration Across the Fashion Ecosystem
Fashion thrives on collaboration, whether across cultures, industries, or disciplines. Our students learn to work not only with fellow designers but also with artisans, technologists, business leaders, and communities. We encourage partnerships that span Indigenous and mainstream fashion, luxury and streetwear, design and technology. Through this approach, we believe innovation emerges when diverse perspectives come together to shape a new vision of fashion.
7. Empowerment Through Education and Industry Exposure
Our mission is to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in every corner of the fashion industry. We provide opportunities to work with established brands, collaborate with Indigenous designers, and explore entrepreneurial ventures. Whether students aim to launch their own label, contribute to a global fashion house, or revolutionize sustainable fashion, we give them the tools and network they need to succeed and make a meaningful impact.
8. Global Responsibility and Ethical Leadership
Fashion is a global industry, and our students are taught to be responsible global citizens. Whether engaging with international fashion markets or collaborating with local artisans, they learn the importance of respecting cultural heritage, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring that their work uplifts rather than exploits. Our curriculum prepares students to lead the fashion industry with integrity, promoting practices that respect people and the planet, regardless of which sector they choose to work in.
