From Bridal Retailer to Wedding Dress Designer | Dominique Levesque’s Designing for Fashion Story
From selling other designers’ wedding dresses, to creating her own bridal collection – Dominique Levesque’s Toronto Film School story is one that’s helped her take over the creative reins of her business.
“I had been developing my bridal retail business for 20 years, but I had bigger plans,” said the Ottawa-born, Gatineau-raised owner of two highly successful bridal boutiques – Dominique Levesque Bridal.
She always dreamed of becoming a designer herself but lacked the confidence and skills to do so – until she discovered Toronto Film School’s online Designing for Fashion program.
TFS, she said, was the perfect fit to help to grow her skills to the next level.
“Now at 45, with the confidence earned through TFS’s Designing for Fashion program, I am planning to launch my own bridal collection to the Canadian market in 2022 – and soon after to the North American markets,” said Levesque, who was recently named valedictorian of her class.
“The future is exciting and I can’t wait to continue my growth in the industry I love.”
Levesque recently sat down to reflect on her time at Toronto Film School, her passion for fashion, and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say:
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Ottawa, Ontario and grew up in Gatineau, Quebec. I just turned 45 and I have been passionate about fashion and business since my early 20s, when I had the chance to travel to Vietnam as Global Beauty Quest’s Miss Canada. There, I had the chance to discover what international fashion looked like and to interact with other fashion enthusiasts to gain a global perspective on the similarities and differences. This new knowledge sparked a flame that has never died down.
What brought you to Toronto Film School? Where were you in life when you decided to continue your studies with us?
I decided to attend Toronto Film School’s Designing for Fashion program to bring my skills up to par with today’s industry need. I had been developing my bridal retail business for 20 years, but I had bigger plans. My dream of being a designer was still active, but my confidence to be successful in today’s market was lacking. TFS offered an online program that I could fit into my already busy schedule and gave me the skills needed to go forward.
What made you decide to pursue your passion for fashion design?
I love everything about fashion, from the psychology behind it, to getting my hands on a special piece of fabric and creating something beautiful. It gives me a creative outlet that I find very satisfying.
What is the most important thing you’re taking away from your studies at TFS?
The teachers at TFS were so inspirational. They are all industry professionals and sharing their experience with me gave me the confidence to go forward in my projects.
What are your plans after graduation both immediate and long-term?
I have already started to work on my future project of launching my own bridal collection. My plan is to launch it in 2022 to the Canadian market and in the longer term to sell it all over North America.
If you offered one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?
If I had one piece of advice to give, I would say that success is not a right, it is a privilege to the few who put in the work to get there. When you decide to commit to doing the work, that is when you not only learn but truly grow as a person. It’s not always easy to meet a deadline, but it’s in these moments when you push yourself that you will gain the confidence to go forward in your journey.
