Twenty-one-year-old Kirthiga Rajanayagam is a junior fashion communication major at Ryerson University in Toronto. However, Kirthiga is more than just a student ... she is also the producer of Mass Exodus, the largest student-run fashion event in North America! The show is put on by third-year fashion promotions students to showcase graduating fashion design and fashion communication students’ final collections.

“Mass Exodus is about the leaders of tomorrow’s fashion,” says Kirthiga. “My role as producer of Mass Exodus 2013 is to ensure our teams are working collectively towards this shared vision of the show and to hopefully create a positive and lasting impression on our guests who attend the show, as an unforgettable experience!”

Putting together Mass Exodus is no simple task. “It takes the dedication, perseverance and talent from 43 students in our fashion promotions class (divided into 29 members, 9 committee heads, 5 executives), with the guidance and direction of faculty members to put this event together,” says Kithirga. “It is a planning process that begins in September and doesn’t stop until the day of the show on April 11th, 2013.”

Kirthiga is extremely passionate about Ryerson University and says that working on Mass Exodus has been an experience unlike any other. Attending Ryerson has provided Kirthiga with direction in her career and she says that now, more than ever, she’s ready to take on the fashion industry!

“After I graduate, I hope to find a career in fashion productions. I also have an interest in public relations and event planning, so I’m not settling yet. I want to see what’s out there before I decide. We’ll see where life takes me!”

Kirthiga has always loved art and design and believes her passion for fashion is one of the reasons she loves being a part of Mass Exodus so much: “I’ve always lived by the philosophy that you should be proud of who you are and to take pride in knowing you’re an original; there will never be anyone like you. So why not make the most of life, and let your clothing, words and attitude speak for themselves?”

Mass Exodus took centerstage in Toronto, April 11, showcasing 48 unique fashion design collections and 57 original capstone projects, all presented on a 150-foot runway!

Keep in touch with Kirthiga through Twitter and Pinterest.

By: Annie Robinson | Image: Kirthiga Rajanayagam