A Brief Look at a Life Inspired
My name is Connally McDougall and I'm a tailor from Victoria, BC, Canada, but I grew up in Mittersill, Austria and Budapest, Hungary, while my parents served as missionaries. I learned to sew from my grandmother and then from older craftswomen in the towns where I lived. From traditional dirndls and lederhosen to costumes for theatre in Budapest, I was blessed to see from an early age how much time and work go into making one garment. My exposure to global cultures and a deliberate way of dressing make me acutely aware of the damage disposable clothing makes on the environment and society. It's better to buy one piece of outstanding quality than dozens of cheaper things that will fall apart. My vision is to have a fashion house that celebrates global traditions but also employs women in indigenous contexts for their artistic craft in beading, leathers, painted silks, etc and advocating fair and equitable wages. As the fashion industry continues to grow, it's important to have each stakeholder’s voice heard.
Until last August, I was entirely self taught. However, after hosting a silent auction in Victoria, BC, I raised $3700--enough money to take a short course at the highly prestigious Central Saint Martins (CSM) School of Design in London. I excelled in the focused environment and have been accepted to study full time in Fashion Design Womenswear beginning September 23rd of this year. Collectively from all fine arts disciplines, CSM has 1900 students. Each year out of thousands of applications, ten candidates are interviewed for each available spot. Out of hundreds of applicants, my portfolio was chosen to join the program. I am still pinching myself! The offer to learn from the best opens a menagerie of doors for me. At CSM, it's not about learning the fastest, cheapest way to make clothing, but rather the best way. As an artist, entrepreneur and as a woman, to be granted the opportunity to work hard and live out my vision at the highest level possible is astounding. I can't believe that I not only have found my passion, but have also found a path for my future.
Using architectural silhouettes and rich details, I design for confident international women. Colour, texture and quality are fundamental for me. My work celebrates the curvature and angularity of the human body. Balancing geometry and the cerebral side of design with instinct and passion is the goal. My perspective is to show not just a woman's beauty, but also her intellect, determination and strength. Exposed flesh alone does not denote sensuality. While my theory and concept are clear and I can express how the garment could be put together, without guidance I cannot fully articulate my goal of having a couture fashion house. I want to grow and improve and I know there is a broader audience for my fashion concepts, but I have only two hands. Because I’ve taught myself the techniques with books and practiced into very late nights, I’ve made my way through sewing custom designs for years. I have often taken on projects not knowing how to physically sew them but muscling through with research,passion and determination. It is a roundabout way of learning that accommodates the work I do for clients, but I've burst through the glass ceiling and am ready to study, design and succeed on an international stage.
I've spent years trying to be the best patternmaker, the best tailor, the best seamstress, the best marketer, the best researcher, and the most innovative designer on my own. It’s impossible. My capacity to self-educate has taken me this far and to continue, I need the direction and collaborative support that only Central Saint Martins provides. I am humbled to be accepted into a program that will change my life, my family's lives and maybe your life too. Alumni from the fashion programs include Bruce Oldfield, John Galliano, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Phoebe Philo and the school works directly with the major fashion houses. Graduates from CSM are abundantly supported. A degree from CSM is regarded as comparable to one from Oxford or Harvard and is a distinction that will make me highly employable. My bullheaded drive and imagination have propelled me forward and I'm confident in my future.
What I Need & What You Get
To acheive my educational goal, I need:
As an international student at CSM, tuition for my first year of a three year degree program is $19,950 per year, not including housing, fees and travel costs. I need to raise $30,000 to meet my funding requirements:
·$19,950 = cost of tuition
·$1,500 = international student fees (for a student visa and health coverage from the school)
·$8,600 = student housing
Total cost = $19,950 + $1,500 + $8,600 = $30,000
Because I am an international student at CSM, tuition is must more costly than if I could study in Canada or if I had EU citizenship. Also, student loan interest rates will incur a factor of double the cost of school fees (if I borrow $30,000, I will actually be in debt for $60,000 Yikes!) so instead I am looking for private and corporate sponsors. After applying for scholarships and grants, I saved $6,000 and put down my deposit for school, ordered my textbooks and bought my plane tickets. To raise money, I have done bottle drives, alterations, raffles as well as continuing to make custom clothing and evening wear. I am driven to meet my funding goal and am unafraid but aware of the hard work involved. I am going to get my degree from Central Saint Martins and be a great designer--my one presenting obstacle is financial need.
If I don't meet my total fundraising goal, the money will still be paying for school, but I will be able to take out a smaller student loan. I am happy to live on rice and beans if I'm studying at CSM! If I surpass my goal, the money will go towards paying for my second year of the three year degree program. Thank you so much in advance for your generosity and belief in my vision.
In gratitude, you will receive:
Truly, every donation helps me tremendously. If one person told a few of their friends about my campaign, and they told a few more of their friends, and so on, it's not just possible, it's definitely achieveable.
Perks for Your Generosity
-$15 High Five : exactly what it sounds like! When you come to my studio, mention your name and you'll get a high five! (can be substituted for elbow nudge) Thank you so much for your help.
-$25 Social Media Shout - Out : You or your business will be featured on my Pinterest Facebook and Twitter pages, reaching over a thousand fans daily. Thank you very much!
-$75 Limited Edition Signed Print : You will receive a signed, artist's proof print of an original illustration as well as a social media shout-out. Thank you for helping me so much!
-$200 Black Wrist Cuff : From my Fall/Winter 2013 collection, you will receive a unisex, one size fits all black cuff made of silk and cotton jersey, reclaimed leather and neoprene. The perfect accessory and an easy gift item. You'll also get a social media shout-out. Thank you so very much.
-$500 Sponsor Cuff Set : As a sponsor, you will receive a set of two cuffs, made to order in your choice of colour(s). You'll also get a social media shout-out. Thank you so much for supporting me.
-$1000 Benefactor Original Art : As a benefactor, you will receive an original, one of a kind illustration, signed, mounted and framed. You will also receive a social media shout-out and 15% off future orders. Thank you for making such an impact.
-$5000 Patron Shift Dress : As a patron, you will receive from my Fall /Winter 2013 collection, a merino knit shift dress (The "Dagmar" dress if you look at www.facebook.com/connallymcdougalldesign ) in your chosen size (XS-2XL), a social media shout-out, 15% off future orders and a reserved seat at my fashion shows and events. Thank you for changing my life!
-$10,000 Gold Patron Custom Design : As a gold patron, you will receive a custom dress made to measure as well as an original signed and mounted illustration of your unique dress design. You will also get a social media shout -out, 15 % off future orders and a reserved seat at my fashion shows and events. Thank you for making my dreams possible and impacting my career.
-$20,000. Platinum Patron: As a platinum patron, you will have put me through a full year of tuition and will receive a custom, made to measure gown or suit and a full colour original illustration of your unique design signed, mounted and framed. You will also have a voice in creative and business elements as I build my brand. In addition, you will receive 15% orders for life and reserved seats for you and a guest to my fashion shows and events. Thank you for believing in my vision and making it a reality.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you aren't in a position to contribute funds, there are other ways I could really use your help
Please spread the word: tell your friends, colleagues and family about this campaign.
Please share the link: your social media is a great outlet to share this indiegogo campaign
And of course, please use the indiegogo tools to promote and support this campaign
Your time means a lot to me and I deeply appreciate your support.
Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/connallymcd
Follow me on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/connallymcd
Check out photos, updates and more on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ConnallyMcdougallDesign
