About Me

I am a designer interested chiefly in classic bespoke tailoring and suiting, with a background in painting and illustration. My current work in both design and philosophy is focused on the connection between traditional Western dress and architecture, and their effect on the public landscape; more broadly, it focuses on the connection between aesthetics and the underlying value structures from which they arise.

Headshot of H.L. Story.

Education

Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology,
Wilson School of Design —
2020 - 2024
3.96 GPA, Dean's Honour Roll
Class Representative for the Fashion Design and Technology graduating class of 2024

Relevant coursework includes:
Style Production— Drafting patterns from blocks and from scratch, creating prototypes and assessing fit, selecting fabric and notions, and creating tech packs and spec sheets.
CAD Drafting Methodologies— Digitizing and creating patterns in Optitex and CLO3D.
Design Theory and Process— Communicating design concepts, selecting appropriate fabrics, documenting process, and tailoring to target market needs and wants.
Draping— Studying draping techniques, and creating patterns/garments from drapes.
Textiles and Technology— Studying properties of fibres and fabrics for function and aesthetics.

Minor, Philosophy,
Kwantlen Polytechnic University —
2023 - 2024
4.03 GPA, Dean's Honour Roll

Relevant coursework includes:
Philosophy of Art— Investigating the nature and value of art, and critically examining the difference between objective aesthetic judgments and subjective preference, what consitutes art and beauty, and the moral aspects of aesthetics.
Consciousness (Philosophy of Mind)— Discussion of issues such as the mind-body relation, the problem of subjectivity, the explanatory gap and the ‘hard problem,’ modes of perception, levels of consciousness, and emotion theory.
Other courses include Formal Logic, Epistemology, Metaphysics, and Moral Theory.

The Oxford Seminar,
The Roger Scruton Legacy Foundation in partnership with the Mathias Corvinus Collegium —
July 21 - 26, 2024
Full scholarship

The Oxford Seminar is an intensive six-day programme offering undergraduate students an opportunity to explore the philosophy of Sir Roger Scruton and the broader Western tradition that shaped his work. Taking place in the historic setting of the University of Oxford, this seminar brings together the brightest students from across the West; participants immerse themselves in Scruton’s ideas, engaging in discussions, exploring the city of Oxford, and attending lectures from expert Oxbridge scholars about themes such as art and beauty, the roots of culture, the sacred, and the philosophy of the human person.

Awards

Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA) Fashion Design Student Award (Top 5 Finalist)—

Presented to an exceptional Canadian fashion design student who has recently graduated from a fashion design program, displaying a high level of craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity that elevates their work beyond that of their peers; a strong balance between the conceptual and the commercial (i.e., commercially viable whilst exhibiting a high level of innovation and creativity); and versatility and range within in their body of work. They should possess special achievements through their academic career, as well as great personal attributes including a stellar work ethic, high level of personal drive, ambition, and enthusiasm for the world of fashion and design.

TELIO Impact Award —
Awarded to a student who demonstrates passion and commitment toward social value and environmental impact in fashion design, pursuing positive outcomes for people and our planet through their creative endeavors, with a design philosophy grounded in sustainable design practices integrating one or more of the 17 UN SDGs.

Paul Oei and Loretta Lai Endowed Award  —
Established to support the development and growth of leaders that mold and guide our future, for students maintaining a GPA of 3.33 or greater who display an entrepreneurial spirit, leadership among peers, and community connection.

Fashion Design and Technology Program Endowed Award  —
For students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or greater who display initiative and leadership in program activities.

Robyn K. Goodwyn Endowed Award  —
For students who display an outstanding ability in the field of fashion design and an outstanding level of academic performance; the committee may consider other criteria such as demonstrated community participation.

Experience

H.L. Story

      Freelance Designer and Developer —

      September 2024 - Present

Designing digital branding assets for clients.

Designing and sketching for apparel, specifically tailored goods.
Developing assets for apparel production (such as technical flats and tech packs), specifically for tailored goods.

Harry Rosen

      Alterationist/Tailor —

      August 2024 - Present

Making alterations to luxury suiting from brands like Zegna, Canali, Giorgio and Emporio Armani, Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli, Kiton, Brioni, and BOSS. 

Ryan Amore Inc.

      Technical Developer —
      August 2023 - March 2024

Utilized Gerber and CLO3D for drafting patterns and fixing fit issues.
Created a comprehensive “how to measure” guide, including 300+ flat technical diagrams.
Drafted patterns from reference garments.
Draped and created patterns for clients.
Drew technical flats in Illustrator.
Created tech packs using the company PLM system.
Digitized existing patterns and integrated them into the Gerber system.
Converted physical fabric swatches into digital assets for usage in CLO3D.
Organized clients and ongoing projects.

      Design Assistant —
      April 2023 - March 2024

Researched and sketched for new collections.
Sourced fabrics.
Aided in photoshoots for collection promotion.
Draped and made patterns for in-house collections.