When WAB’s orchestra took the stage at the annual APAC Strings Festival in South Korea, it was more than just the music that captured the audience.
For the first time in WAB’s history, the ensemble wore outfits created by one of its own members: Grade 12 student Jerome C. Working on an assignment from WAB’s Orchestra Director, Ms. Özge Cevik-Erdemg, Jerome conceptualized, designed, and produced the orchestra’s stunning new attire.
“Since I had been working on the project throughout the semester, it felt surreal to finally see my clothes on stage,” Jerome said. “The experience gave me a glimpse of what a real-world client might look for in the fashion industry, and I was able to experience the entire process of researching, designing, and finally bringing the products to life.”
Jerome’s project was part of WAB’s Capstone Program, a project-based, self-driven diploma program designed to allow students to gain deep knowledge and professional experience in an industry they love. As Jerome explains, the program requires him to be responsible for planning and completing his own assignments, while still finishing his core coursework and completing an internship. He has also taken summer courses at fashion institutes around the world.
“Throughout my time as a Capstone student, I’ve done research to extend my knowledge of the fashion industry, met and worked with expert professionals, and organized a fashion show,” Jerome said. “The program gives me more opportunity to explore the things I want to study in the future, as well as develop essential life skills.”
His work during the two-year program has required Jerome to collaborate with tailors, manufacturers, designers, and event planners. Some of his most rewarding experiences, he said, came while completing Capstone’s internship requirement, where he worked as an assistant for two haute couture designers at Beijing Fashion Week.
“Being behind the scenes, I learned about the different roles needed to run a successful fashion show,” Jerome said. “Those experiences allowed me to follow one of my passions by co-founding a club and then organizing and successfully hosting the Komorebi Fashion Show here at WAB.”
Jerome’s orchestra wardrobes and fashion shows are some of his major tangible accomplishments thus far, but he has no plans of stopping his work there. Jerome is currently designing pieces for the WAB band and preparing unique sportswear for an amateur soccer club. He is also in the process of selecting which specialized design university at which he will continue his studies.
While WAB’s Capstone offered Jerome an avenue to pursue his passion and interest in fashion, he credits the community of teachers and friends that helped him continue to strive for success.
“The good thing about studying at WAB is that you always have such supportive teachers and mentors to guide you along your way.”