On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:10 p.m., four emerging designers from The Cut Design Academy will debut their fashion collections at one of North America's premier fashion events, mixing skill, storytelling and savoir faire. Buy Tix HERE!
The Cut Design Academy is proud to announce that four of its most talented students will share the spotlight at Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW), taking place from October 15 to 19, 2025, at David Lam Hall in Vancouver, BC. The academy’s participation in this prestigious event underscores its role in shaping the future of fashion by nurturing fresh, innovative voices in the industry. Featured Designers include Jon Grierson, Cindy Sunshine, Zenaida Rodriguez, and Solange Mackenzie Ellis - each bringing a distinct design philosophy to their craft - will showcase their debut collections, demonstrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and visionary leadership fostered at The Cut Design Academy.
For these emerging designers, participating in Vancouver Fashion Week represents a pivotal
moment in their careers. Known for its focus on emerging talent, VFW offers a global platform
for designers to present their work to industry insiders, buyers, and media. The opportunity to
showcase at such a prestigious event underscores the dedication and innovation fostered at
“We are incredibly proud of the talent and hard work our students have poured into their
collections. Their participation in Vancouver Fashion Week is a testament to their creativity,
resilience, and forward-thinking approach to fashion,” said Liza D, Founder and Dean at The
Cut Design Academy. “The potential of our graduates is limitless. We look forward to watching
them make their mark on the fashion industry!”
Students -
Jon Grierson – FIELDSTOCK X SCROUNGE
Instagram - @fieldstock.supply @scrounge.goods
Cindy Sunshine – CYN the Label
Jon Grierson – FIELDSTOCK X SCROUNGE
Bio - Graduating with a Fashion Design diploma from Cut Design Academy, Jon Grierson crafts modern, functional garments using soil-to-soil fabrics, thoughtful details, and locally recovered materials. A geographer and outerwear enthusiast, he frames clothing design within the realities of global warming, aiming for versatile pieces that meet increasingly volatile weather. His work speaks to those who care about the planet and the urgent need for adaptation. With PFACs being phased out, microplastics polluting waterways, and mounting pressure to abandon fossil fuels, circular design has never been more critical. Grierson’s focus now: mastering the technical and sustainable nuances of clothing for a future that’s not just possible—but necessary.
Collection - Fieldstock x Scrounge introduces an all-weather collection of staple garments for the Pacific Northwest made with a mixture of biodegradable natural fibres (Fieldstock) and repurposed materials that have been “scrounged” from a variety of sources. Rooted in the functional and spiritual significance that textiles have played throughout human history, he is drawn to designing clothing as a way for us to connect back with culture, heritage, and the environment. Jon hopes to facilitate conversations around the technical qualities of natural fibres and their applications to improve the lives of everyday people.
Collection - Fieldstock x Scrounge introduces an all-weather collection of staple garments for the Pacific Northwest made with a mixture of biodegradable natural fibres (Fieldstock) and repurposed materials that have been “scrounged” from a variety of sources. Rooted in the functional and spiritual significance that textiles have played throughout human history, he is drawn to designing clothing as a way for us to connect back with culture, heritage, and the environment. Jon hopes to facilitate conversations around the technical qualities of natural fibres and their applications to improve the lives of everyday people.
Instagram - @fieldstock.supply @scrounge.goods
Cindy Sunshine – CYN the Label
Bio - Cindy Kelley Sunshine, the visionary designer behind Cyn the Label, introduces her bold new collection Gangstress—a powerful tribute to feminine empowerment. Rooted in her Dakota-Irish identity, Cindy fuses cultural strength with unapologetic style, calling women to rise, take up space, and prepare to fight for their rightful place in the world. Gangstress is not just fashion—it’s a movement, a reminder that grace and grit can coexist, and that it’s time for women to lead with power, pride, and purpose
Collection - Cindy Kelley Sunshine, the visionary designer behind Cyn the Label and known for her sustainable and size-inclusive fashion, introduces her bold new collection Gangstress—a powerful tribute to feminine empowerment. Rooted in her Dakota-Irish identity, Cindy fuses cultural strength with unapologetic style, calling women to rise, take up space, and prepare to fight for their rightful place in the world. Gangstress is not just fashion—it’s a movement, a reminder that grace and grit can coexist, and that it’s time for women to lead with power, pride, and purpose.
Instagram - @cynkelleysunshine
Zenaida Rodriguez – ZODRI
Solange Mackenzie Ellis - SOLANGE
Bio - Solange’s earliest fashion memory is Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding montage—the moment Vivienne Westwood’s iconic cloud gown appeared on screen. Mesmerized by the interplay of softness and structure, she discovered the transformative power of fabric. Dress-up quickly became her favorite game, with her little sisters serving as models for her imaginative creations.
As life grew busier, fashion remained Solange’s constant—a language through which she channels her insatiable need for self-expression. While her designs often spring from a deeply personal perspective, her greatest joy lies in connection: creating chic compression wear for a friend with chronic pain, conveying the urgency of the climate crisis through her work, or handcrafting a bespoke gown for her sister’s graduation. For Solange, no price compares to the feeling of making someone feel understood.
Her designs go beyond storytelling—they listen. Each piece is an exploration of identity, a dialogue between designer and wearer, and a testament to the belief that fashion is as much about empathy as it is about aesthetics.
Collection - The collection entitled "Seaux" (pronounced Zo) is a love letter to the birds one sees everyday living in Vancouver. It aims to bring the beauty of these animals to the viewer and reframe one’s attitude towards these animals. The pigeon is a close relative to the lovebird, mirroring Dior’s Venus Gown from 1949.
Instagram - @solange.designz, @s.wear.z
The Cut Design Academy aspires to nurture the inherent talents of the students by developing an intellectually stimulating community and fostering a culture of skill-based and practical learning. They are building the future generation of designers through education and practical training in the real world. For more information to gowww.thecutfashionacademy.com.
Instagram - @cynkelleysunshine
Bio - Zodri is an emerging eveningwear label —where timeless elegance meets modern allure. Each piece is a study in precision: sculpted silhouettes, impeccable fit, and details that whisper sophistication while commanding attention. Zodri doesn’t simply dress you for the night—it dresses you for the moment, ensuring every entrance feels unforgettable.
At the helm is Zenaida Rodriguez, the visionary shaping Zodri’s identity. Currently refining her craft at The Cut Design Academy, Rodriguez brings a fresh perspective to classic glamour. Her philosophy? Power lies in confidence, and confidence begins with what you wear. For her, every design is more than clothing—it’s a celebration of femininity, presence, and unapologetic individuality.
Collection - The allure of the protagonist sweeps across screens and onto sidewalks, as drama unfolds in the Zodri “Mistress” collection by local Vancouver designer Zenaida Rodriguez. With a rich El Salvadoran community as her culture, Zenaida understands the power of appeal. With cocktails in hand, the mystery and complexity of her modern woman follows every curve of cocktail couture. In the Zodri debut collection, lace, beads and boning shape the way we view strength through femininity.
At the helm is Zenaida Rodriguez, the visionary shaping Zodri’s identity. Currently refining her craft at The Cut Design Academy, Rodriguez brings a fresh perspective to classic glamour. Her philosophy? Power lies in confidence, and confidence begins with what you wear. For her, every design is more than clothing—it’s a celebration of femininity, presence, and unapologetic individuality.
Collection - The allure of the protagonist sweeps across screens and onto sidewalks, as drama unfolds in the Zodri “Mistress” collection by local Vancouver designer Zenaida Rodriguez. With a rich El Salvadoran community as her culture, Zenaida understands the power of appeal. With cocktails in hand, the mystery and complexity of her modern woman follows every curve of cocktail couture. In the Zodri debut collection, lace, beads and boning shape the way we view strength through femininity.
Bio - Solange’s earliest fashion memory is Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding montage—the moment Vivienne Westwood’s iconic cloud gown appeared on screen. Mesmerized by the interplay of softness and structure, she discovered the transformative power of fabric. Dress-up quickly became her favorite game, with her little sisters serving as models for her imaginative creations.
As life grew busier, fashion remained Solange’s constant—a language through which she channels her insatiable need for self-expression. While her designs often spring from a deeply personal perspective, her greatest joy lies in connection: creating chic compression wear for a friend with chronic pain, conveying the urgency of the climate crisis through her work, or handcrafting a bespoke gown for her sister’s graduation. For Solange, no price compares to the feeling of making someone feel understood.
Her designs go beyond storytelling—they listen. Each piece is an exploration of identity, a dialogue between designer and wearer, and a testament to the belief that fashion is as much about empathy as it is about aesthetics.
Collection - The collection entitled "Seaux" (pronounced Zo) is a love letter to the birds one sees everyday living in Vancouver. It aims to bring the beauty of these animals to the viewer and reframe one’s attitude towards these animals. The pigeon is a close relative to the lovebird, mirroring Dior’s Venus Gown from 1949.
Instagram - @solange.designz, @s.wear.z
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