Meet Shelly Charters: From JCI Fashion School to Designing for Aritzia
Shelly Charters is a talented fashion designer and graduate of the JCI Institute Fashion Design Program, whose journey from Isreal to Canada has been marked by creativity, passion and a commitment to making her mark in the fashion industry.
Born in Israel, Shelly, along with her mother and brother, immigrated to Canada at a young age. Her multicultural background and diverse experiences have contributed to shaping her unique perspective in the world of fashion.
Amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelly found herself reflecting on her career path. With a deep-rooted passion for sewing and design, self-taught from a young age, she decided to enrol in the JCI Fashion Design Program. Her goal was clear—to elevate her passion to a professional level and equip herself with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the industry.
The JCI program proved to be a pivotal asset to Shelly’s career path. It provided her with essential knowledge and skills in fashion design, connecting her with industry experts and fellow designers through valuable networking opportunities. This exposure offered real-world insights, setting the stage for Shelly’s future success.
Currently working as a Design Assistant for Aritzia, Shelly’s professional journey has seen her contribute to the execution of seasonal collection strategies, trend research, and style development for Aritzia.
“My most significant achievement in my career has been joining the Aritzia team as a designer. This has always been a big goal of mine and when the opportunity presented itself, I was extremely grateful. It felt like the combination of all my experiences and efforts had led me to this exciting and fulfilling moment in my professional journey.”
Her recent project includes working on the FW24 line with Artizia for two of their in-house brands.
“I am administratively supporting the execution of the seasonal collection strategy as well as, executing trend research, concept development, style design, and style development for two of Aritzia’s exclusive brands.”
Shelly’s creative skills extend beyond Aritzia. She has collaborated with influencers/models including Adrienne Reau and Emma Leger, who is also a JCI fashion graduate.
For Adrienne Reau, Shelly created a custom look for New York Fashion Week. This positive experience showcased Shelly’s ability to capture vibrant, fun energy while exercising full creative direction.
“We had a reference and mood that we were both inspired by and I combined the ideas to create an outfit that best reflected her vibrant, fun energy. She let me have full creative direction and the whole experience with her was so positive. Truly a kind human being to work with.”
For Emma Leger, Shelly created a custom two-piece floral set that was a viral moment. Emma wore this look on vacation in St. Tropez.
Who inspires Shelly and her creative process? None other than the legendary Vivienne Westwood! Westwood’s commitment to freedom of expression and liberation through fashion struck a chord with Shelly, motivating her in every stitch and seam.
A staple piece that Shelly believes everyone should have in their closet is a pair of good denim jeans.
“My favourite piece that I’ve created is from my final collection in school. It’s a white power mesh dress featuring hook and eye tape along all the seams, with added gathers on the sides. This dress was a homage to the union of personal independence, symbolizing the breakthrough of our inner selves. It was inspired by a wedding gown, with the bare body visible through the layers, creating a statement of power.”
Looking ahead, Shelly envisions taking her career to new heights, continuously refining her design work and embracing the dynamic journey of life. While she may not have a detailed roadmap, her passion and determination will undoubtedly guide her towards success in the fashion industry.
Shelly Charters’ story is a testament to the transformative power of passion, education, and perseverance in the pursuit of a dream. From a JCI Institute graduate to contributing to Aritzia’s exclusive brands, Shelly continues to leave her mark on the fashion world, one design at a time.
“Embrace opportunities that come your way and be open to the unexpected connections they may bring. If opportunities are scarce, proactively create your own by reaching out, leveraging online networking, and thinking creatively.”
“Understand that the fashion industry can be challenging, but persistence and a positive attitude will propel you forward. Take charge of your own journey by not waiting for success to find you. Trust in the process; with passion and determination, your path in the fashion industry will eventually lead to success. Stay patient, continuously hone your skills, and believe in your creative journey.”
JCI Institute isn’t just a school; it’s a launchpad for dreamers, creators, and future fashion moguls. Whether your heart beats for Fashion Business or Fashion Design, JCI Institute in Vancouver is where passion meets purpose.