Kamloops' teenage designer preparing for fashion school

Designer Quentin Collier does a final fitting with some of his models.

(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

January 16, 2015 - 3:18 PM

QTC LABEL CONTINUES TO GROW

KAMLOOPS - Gold, fur and stars, the essence of the '70s spirit and '80s edge. The latest collection from a local fashion designer features all this and more and will be on display for Friday night during the teenager’s latest fashion show.

Quentin Collier has been designing clothes since Grade 6. Now in Grade 12 the ambitious teen has his eyes set on Parsons School of Design in New York. He spent a month in Paris studying design at ESMOD School of Fashion and says he has grown just from that month of intense study.

His latest collection, Noir by QTC, highlights his evolution as a designer and will be part of his portfolio in applying to Parsons, along with some pieces from his previous collections. With 14 models and an evening of cocktails, music and fashion Collier hopes everyone will enjoy the unexpected at his show.

“We want to give Kamloops an experience that isn't a regular occurrence, so we are transforming the entire runway and space into a space you would see in the movies,” event coordinator Nic Zdunich says. “It’s not just about creating a show, it's about creating an experience. The best you can offer your guests is the unexpected.”

The 300 tickets for the show once again sold out quickly and Collier says he is blown away by the support he continues to get.

While his models say they love the clothes and can see how their friend has evolved over the years as a designer, Collier sometimes questions his passion and whether his long hours and late nights are worth it.

“I didn’t sleep last night. Sometimes I wonder is it worth it? Why am I doing all this? But you gotta keep your eye on the prize,” he says. “You can really delude yourself in a town like this, you have never really been challenged. So it will be really difficult (going to design school)…. But it will be inspiring, I will obviously grow in that sort of environment.”

Zdunich says he is excited to see and support Collier in his growth as an artist as well.

“I see such passion and ambition that I don't often see. I remember being young and having that ambition but I was always thought of as (too) young,” he says. “So helping Quinn realize his dreams is a way of me giving back. He also is just so talented that anyway I can help him succeed I am on board with.”

The sold out show takes place at Hotel 540 Friday, Jan. 16. Collier hopes to be able to host another summer show before leaving for post-secondary as well.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.