Seneca grad wins bronze at China Fashion Week | MyNews | Seneca Students

Seneca Fashion Arts graduate Leona Abdyli was recently awarded bronze at the Hempel International Fashion Awards competition in Beijing, China.

The annual competition features work by students from some of the best fashion schools around the world. Ms. Abdyli’s collection, “Toxic Waters: Protecting the Ocean” was unveiled by video to a panel of judges during the China International Young Fashion Designers Contest which is held annually during China Fashion Week.

Ms. Abdyli, who shared details of her collection virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, says her pieces draw inspiration from “the problematic oil pollution and its effect on ocean life.” Using a variety of techniques learned at Seneca, including wet moulding and screen printing, the intricate details of her designs display a great deal of technical skill that prove she is ready for the fiercely competitive world of fashion.

“This competition has been a milestone, a great challenge that has pushed my creativity, and I am very grateful to the Hempel Award organizing committee to have given me the space to share my art,” Ms. Abdyli said via video.

Fashion student Sheila Zeferino also represented Seneca as a finalist in the competition. Her work, titled “Glacial Effect” was presented live on the runway.