Is your child a fashionista begging to design their own clothes? Children's sewing classes are few and far between in San Diego. There are a handful of schools that offer kids courses, and while pillowcases and puppets are fun to make, Rock the Runway in Vista takes sewing to the next level. Rock the Runway is a fully committed 10-month club where children learn everything from fashion illustration to learning how to make a garment from a commercial pattern to finishing details. Currently, Rock the Runway is the only fashion club doing this type of program.
Its founder Emmily Bonura started Rock the Runway in 2015 when she was burnt out trying to make it in the fashion industry. At that time Emily was given the opportunity to teach sewing at an elementary school to a couple of students. The experience was so positive and inspiring it gave her the idea to start her own fashion club.
Rock the Runway was born, an exclusive club teaching junior designers from ages 8-18 how to be a real fashion designer! Emmily stated, "my heart is full and I feel very honored and privileged to be a small part of helping dreams become a reality for many junior designers." According to Emmily, the response from kids enrolled in the club has been fantastic! "These junior designers have come back year after year and every week they show up excited and ready! Parents have commented on how much confidence this club has given their child and how they look forward to fashion club every week. Lifelong friendships have been formed and designers have learned how to be disciplined in time management and organization skills."
Sewing Therapy
Emmily said her classes have been a great place for kids to be themselves and find acceptance. "There has been a few times where a designer will come in from having a bad day and by the end of fashion club leaves with a smile and a new sense of confidence. Science has also proven that sewing is a huge stress reliever, improves hand-eye coordination and stimulates brain growth," said Emmily.
How it Works
Emmily stated, "our program has a max of 6 designers per instructor and custom learning modules for optimum learning. We believe in a 3-step learning process... HEAR IT - SEE IT - DO IT. Each designer makes 1 garment from start to finish then begins the process all over again for memory recall and strengthening their skill set." Rock the Runway culminates at the end of the year with a huge celebrity attended fashion show where designers choose their friends to model their collection.
What kinds of creative ideas do some of the kids come up with?
According to Emmily, "we have had everything from custom dyed waffle shorts to look like a waffle cone, 250 individually sewn pedals then sewn into a pattern on a dress, to a light up tulle dress. The creative ideas these designers have come up with is astounding! We have designers hand painting custom patterns on fabric, some using swavorski crystals, menswear, and SEW much more just this year! This years show is going to make your jaw drop seeing kids some as young as 8 years only designing and making a fashion collection like a real fashion designer. "
It sounds like kids have fun in the process Emmily adds, "the best highlight of all though; is seeing the look of excitement, accomplishment and confidence in each designer every time they finish a garment and see it on their model. It is priceless!"
To find out more information about this exciting program which is expanding to area schools visit: http://www.RockTheRunwayFashionClub.com Tel. 619) 723-0670
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