Lesley Pollard, a Fashion and Technology instructor at the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to Vancouver’s fashion industry.
Nominated for a Vancouver Fashion Week Industry Originator Award in Teaching, Lesley joined KPU in 2007 after an extensive career in the fashion industry, marked by roles that included business owner, designer, pattern-maker, fit specialist and consultant. Her practical experience has fuelled her passion for sustainable design and production practices, with a particular focus on zero-waste apparel design.
Lesley, a graduate of the Fashion and Technology program herself, is now joined at KPU by daughter Lyla Pollard, who is in her first year of the program.
Lesley deepened her knowledge and skills by pursuing a master’s in Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University, which was completed in 2024. Lesley holds a diploma in fashion merchandising from Elizabeth Leslie College and has completed The Centre for Mindfulness Studies’ Mindfulness Teacher Training Intensive certificate.
Lesley was also awarded the 2025 Spring Founders’ Award from the Royal Roads University, which is an award given out for exemplifying the qualities of leadership, commitment to sustainability, positive and proactive work in equity, diversity and inclusion, and personal growth.
Other areas of experience and interest include cut and sew knitwear design and production, CAD drafting technologies, and pattern grading. Lesley’s current research interest includes the incorporation of nature-based mindfulness into professional and personal life for reconnection to nature and well-being.
Lesley attended Vancouver Fashion Week with her fellow graduates from the Fashion and Technology program’s class of 1995. She attended with Glynis Tao, as well as Melanie Talkington, the founder of Lace Embrace (pictured below).
