The sewing studio at JCI is often filled with students—ear buds in, heads down, diligently at work. This past Tuesday was a different story: the drafting tables were pushed aside, a ring light glowed in the corner, and a group of forms took centre stage. With the phone mounted, we were ready to broadcast. For the first time ever, we hosted a LIVE Posh Show from inside the institute, where one-of-a-kind student creations were auctioned in real time to an audience.

Our partner for the event: Poshmark Canada. The purpose? To take secondhand items from the Poshmark app, upcycle them into completely original garments and accessories, then promote and sell them through the Posh Show. Proceeds to charity. Creativity to the forefront.

Kross, a recent graduate, was the first to go LIVE. They’d taken a black wrap dress and transformed it into a compact black purse, complete with shoulder ties and a magnetic clasp. When asked why they chose black, they said simply, “I love working with black—it was an easy choice for me.”

As Kross and Poshmark host Ana described the piece, the room held its breath. Then—“We have a bid!” Cheers. A few claps. The first piece sold. And from there, the momentum built.

A Real-World Moment—for Emerging Designers

All seven student pieces sold during the LIVE show, some sparking bidding wars. For most students involved, this was the first time their work had been promoted publicly, sold to a customer, and packaged with a thank-you note for shipping.

It was the kind of hands-on, confidence-building experience that can be hard to come by in traditional fashion education, and one that spoke directly to the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

As the pieces rolled out, so did the stories behind them:

Ashley’s Post-Pool Dress: Originally a Kate Spade towel, Ashley’s design became a strapless terry cloth dress lined with microfiber and fitted with a full back zipper. “I wanted it to be something you could wear from the beach or pool,” she explained. “Then unzip, and actually lay it out as your towel.”
Anna’s Picnic Wrap Dress: From red-and-white gingham tablecloth to spring wrap dress, Anna’s look had versatility, charm, and immediate appeal. It sold quickly and garnered lots of love in the chat.
Desiree’s One-Shoulder Statement Top: Structured and sophisticated, Desiree took a men’s pinstripe shirt and sculpted it into a piece that could walk off a boutique rack.
Becca’s Vintage Shorts: Becca’s piece featured navy hues, a lace-trimmed hem, and a pocket detail upcycled from the original shirt. A thoughtful balance of masculine and feminine, with a vintage flair.
Natascha’s Blazer Bag: Natasha transformed a men’s blazer into a structured crossbody bag, retaining the pocket as a functional detail. Both polished and practical.
Grace’s Parisian Remix: Grace modernized a more traditional French-style dress by shortening the sleeves, updating the shape, and refreshing the silhouette for today’s trends.
Kross’s Black Clutch: Elegant and minimal, their clutch stood out as a small but mighty transformation from the original dress.

Each piece reflected hours of thought, sketching, sewing, and strategic reworking. But beyond the craftsmanship was something even more powerful: these designers were contributing to the larger fashion conversation around circularity, individuality, and value.

**Design In Demand**

Desiree’s one shoulder top—up-cycled from a men’s dress shirt—sparked a bidding war during the Posh Show.

The Future of Fashion Is Circular—and Personal

In an era where capsule wardrobes and sustainability are top of mind, this event was more than just a showcase; it proved that resale can be more than passing along gently used clothes—it can also be an act of reinvention.

Our students didn’t just participate in this event—they helped shape it. They sourced materials with vision and pushed their technical skills. With the support of their instructors and Poshmark’s team, they learned how to talk about and sell their designs in a LIVE format. It built not just their portfolios, but their confidence. This event reinforced that what they make matters, that their creativity has an audience, and that their work can and will sell.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Our collaboration with Poshmark Canada wasn’t just about showcasing student talent—it was about putting people at the heart of fashion.

That’s what Poshmark does best. Their platform empowers community members to take the reins, make conscious choices, and shop in ways that reflect their values. During our LIVE auction, over 300 viewers had the opportunity to support emerging designers, shop sustainably, and walk away with one-of-a-kind pieces—all while giving back to Covenant House Vancouver, our long-standing community partner.

At a time when secondhand fashion is booming, this partnership just made sense; it reflects where the industry is heading and where education needs to be. By giving our students and grads the chance to explore resale through the lens of design, marketing, and entrepreneurship, they’re not just learning about sustainability—they’re contributing to it in real time.

And maybe that’s what makes this event so exciting. It wasn’t about passing along a pre-loved item. It was about breathing new life into something, then inviting others to wear it in a way it hadn’t been worn before.

Want to Design What’s Next?

Our new integrated program, Business of Fashion & Design, is built for the next generation of fashion leaders. With a hands-on, industry-connected curriculum and a strong emphasis on design and entrepreneurship, this program is your chance to create, innovate, and make your mark on fashion’s future. Explore the program.

Ready to Shop Sustainably?

Secondhand fashion is more than a trend—it’s a movement. By choosing resale, you’re reducing waste, extending the life of garments, and supporting a more circular, creative future for fashion. Want to get involved? Download the Poshmark App and use the code “JCINSTITUTE” to get C$15 off your first purchase. Start curating your wardrobe with purpose.