Runway Radar: Michelle Beaulieu merges technical innovation and streetwear

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      By Maria Hilario

      Michelle Beaulieu is passionate about redefining functionality and technical properties in your everyday wear.

      The student designer's graduation collection, Miechie, creates technical streetwear for women by using fabrics and finishes fit for both busy lives and unpredictable weather forecasts.

      Miechie is fabricated from functional designs and technical materials, which assist commuters and creative minimalists throughout their day-to-day while helping them to maintain a unique aesthetic. Miechie integrates streetwear style with technical fabrics and finishes to elevate the design of the garments.

      Miechie will be unveiled at 2017 The Show presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 5 and 6 at the Imperial (319 Main Street). Twenty-seven other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Fashion Design and Technology students will also be showcased.

      For event details, visit kpu.ca/2017fashionshow or follow @wilsondesignkpu on Instagram.

      Maria Hilario: Describe your collection.

      Michelle Beaulieu: Miechie is a collection based on the needs of commuters through solving problems that appear on an everyday basis, while still letting wearers express their personality through their outfit.

      MH: Who or what was the inspiration behind your line?

      MB: I live in Port Coquitlam, which means I need to commute to my work in Vancouver and to school in Richmond on a daily basis. Noticing the discomfort that I have while waiting for the bus or SkyTrain, and while on the transit, I realized that if I am feeling uncomfortable during the ride, so are other people. Discovering a solution for creative people who commute while providing purpose is the inspiration behind Miechie.

      MH: What aspect of design are you most passionate about?

      MB: I am most passionate about seeing the final product. The process can be frustrating because of the trial and error, but after all of the effort that is put into one garment or an entire collection, it is very rewarding. After every garment, I get a sense of pride.

      MH: What have you learned at KPU?

      MB: I have learned that compassion and teamwork can go a long way. Working alongside the same peers for four years, you start to understand how to work with other people on a collaborative level rather than competitive. In a class with so many personalities, it is important to understand people on a professional and personal level to completely work as a cohesive team and avoid conflict.

      MH: What’s next for you?

      MB: I plan to work in the Vancouver fashion industry for a couple of years and hopefully expand my knowledge of the industry by working overseas and gathering more cultural influences along the way. Of course, on the side, I hope to continue with Miechie to provide a solution to people who have the same struggles as I do when commuting.

      MH: How do you set yourself apart from other designers?

      MB: I think it is the way that I look at the world and fashion. I want to help people and make a difference in their lives—not just add another piece of trendy clothing into their wardrobes. Creating and designing funtional clothing is important to me.

      Carlee Heintz wears the Penrose bomber, a fully reflective jacket insulated with shearling and quilted lining, from Michelle Beaulieu's Miechie line.
      Michelle Beaulieu

      Maria Hilario is a final-year fashion design and technology student at KPU’s Wilson School of Design.

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