Behind the Seams: The Cut Design Academy Takes Center Stage at Vancouver Fashion Week SS/26

The lights are dim, steam curls off coffee cups, and the sound of scissors and laughter fills the workroom at The Cut Design Academy. It’s the kind of scene that only happens in the final stretch before a fashion week, when late-night fittings blur into early-morning fabric runs, and dreams slowly take shape under the hum of sewing machines.

In just a few days, four emerging designers from The Cut will step into the spotlight at Vancouver Fashion Week SS/2026, presenting their debut collections before an audience of media, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts. Their show is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, at 7:10 p.m. at David Lam Hall, and if rehearsals are any indication, this year’s showcase promises a captivating blend of sustainability, sex appeal, and unapologetic sophistication.

From Classroom to Catwalk

Under the mentorship of Liza Deyrmenjian, Founder and Dean of The Cut Design Academy, students are encouraged to think critically about design, not just as art, but as narrative. “Every stitch tells a story,” Liza says. “Our students learn that design isn’t just about creating garments, but about creating meaning.”

This ethos comes to life vividly in the collections of this season’s featured designers: Jon Grierson, Cindy Sunshine, Zenaida Rodriguez, and Solange Mackenzie Ellis — four creatives whose work couldn’t be more distinct, yet together form a cohesive testament to The Cut’s spirit of innovation.

Jon Grierson: Fieldstock x Scrounge

If there’s a designer who could turn a rainstorm into poetry, it’s Jon Grierson. His collaborative label, Fieldstock x Scrounge, reimagines the Pacific Northwest wardrobe — functional yet romantic, rugged yet intensely human. Crafted from biodegradable natural fibres and repurposed textiles, Jon’s work pays homage to heritage and sustainability in equal measure.

His silhouettes feel like the landscape itself: weathered, layered, resilient. Through his collection, Jon reminds us that fashion can be both utilitarian and soulful, that sustainability, when done right, looks like timeless craftsmanship.

Cindy Sunshine: CYN the Label

If confidence had a uniform, it would be Cindy Sunshine’s “Gangstress” collection.

Fusing her Dakota-Irish roots with unapologetic power dressing, Cindy has built Cyn the Label into an anthem of feminine strength. Her models walk with intention, sleek silhouettes, bold cuts, and whispers of rebellion stitched into every seam.

“Gangstress is about women reclaiming their power,” Cindy explains between fittings. “It’s about walking tall, looking sharp, and never apologizing for taking up space.”

The result? A runway moment that feels electric, equal parts film noir and modern-day manifesto.

Zenaida Rodriguez: ZODRI

Zenaida’s Mistress collection for Zodri is a cinematic daydream, a sultry fusion of lace, boning, and attitude. Inspired by her El Salvadoran roots and the magnetic pull of mystery, Zenaida creates garments that feel like stories unfolding in shadow and light.

Her pieces flirt with drama, think smoky jazz bars, gloved hands, and the kind of allure that lingers long after the music fades. “I design for women who know their power,” Zenaida says. “The Mistress isn’t just a muse, she’s the main character.”

Solange Mackenzie Ellis: SEAUX by Solange

Then there’s Solange Mackenzie Ellis, whose collection SEAUX (pronounced “Zo”) takes flight, literally. Inspired by Vancouver’s everyday birds, Solange transforms feathers, light, and motion into couture. Her garments shimmer with delicacy and intent, echoing Dior’s Venus Gown through a contemporary, ethereal lens.

“People overlook pigeons, but they’re beautiful survivors,” she says softly, adjusting a hand-beaded sleeve. “This collection reframes how we see them, as emblems of resilience and grace.”

Shaping the Future of Fashion

For The Cut Design Academy, this isn’t just another runway slot — it’s a declaration of purpose. The academy’s mission has always been to merge skill with story, and this showcase brings that vision to life on one of North America’s most influential platforms for emerging talent.

“We couldn’t be prouder,” says Julie Berg, The Cut’s Marketing Director and show coordinator. These collections reflect the diversity, craftsmanship, and creativity that define our students. Vancouver Fashion Week is their moment to step out and be seen, and they’re ready.”

Final Walk

As the final fittings wrap and the sewing machines quiet down, anticipation hums in the air. Four collections. Four perspectives. One academy pushing the boundaries of what fashion education can achieve.

When the lights rise on October 16, it won’t just be a debut — it’ll be a declaration:

The next generation of Canadian fashion has arrived, and it’s being cut to perfection.

Event: The Cut Design Academy Showcase at Vancouver Fashion Week SS/2026

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 7:10 p.m.

Location: David Lam Hall, 50 E Pender St., Vancouver, BC

Follow The Cut: @thrcutdesignacademy