A Vancouver clothing and accessories designer is hoping to help save the studio art and textile arts diploma programs at Capilano University. Katherine Soucie, owner of Sans Soucie, recently announced that she will donate half the proceeds from sales of her most recent collection to saving the programs.

“On April 24th, I was very fortunate to have showcased my most recent collection at Eco Fashion Week and have it sponsored by Circle Craft [Co-op]. Just hours before the runway show, I received devastating news that the Textile Arts program at Capilano University was being cancelled,” Soucie stated in an email to the media.

In April, Capilano University announced that its studio art and textile arts programs would be cut due to a $1.3-million budget shortfall. Soucie was a textile arts student at Capilano University from 2001 to 2003. She credits the training received during that time to the success she has had as an apparel designer.

“The level of instruction and content in this program is so incredibly enriching. It continues to inform how I make, think, and approach materials/research today,” she said.

“Skill-based art and design programs are essential. I can wholeheartedly say that I would not be in the position I am in if it were not for the experience and training I had at this institution.”

Soucie’s pieces have been sold across Canada, the U.S., and Japan. She specializes in transforming textile waste into one-of-a-kind clothing and was awarded the International Design Green Award in 2008.

Her latest collection, which incorporates hand-dyed and hand-cut patchwork pieces, is currently for sale through her online shop.