About us
We are the Largest Sewing Studio in Canada!
Created and operated by Laurie Allan Franks, La Movida opened its doors in 2013 as a creative applied arts studio specializing in teaching kids how to sew.
Our goal is to get you started with sewing (or get you better at it!) in a fun and professional environment. We focus on clothing construction and fit, but also offer classes for bags & accessories, garment alterations, home decor and “sew” much more!
We offer the only sewing classes for young people in the city and, we are the largest sewing studio in the country. We believe that having a creative life fosters intelligence, pride and excitement in your daily life. We offer a beautiful space in a creative community that is both friendly and inspiring where people can explore studio time in our sewing lab space through workshops, classes and special events.
The studio is fully equipped with 18 top of the line sewing machines, 3 sergers, 4 cutting tables, as well as a small retail for fabrics and notions. Most of our classes are very intimate with no more than 6 students per class, providing personalized instruction and attention for each student.
Skills for Life
La Movida provides a creative outlet, nurturing the undeniable satisfaction that comes from making something yourself from scratch.
Our classes encourage patience, passion, problem solving, three-dimensional thinking, body mechanics, and physical awareness.
While working creatively, our sewers develop hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and fine motor skills. Each time they enter the studio they learn how to express themselves and their individuality.
Meet Our Staff
Laurie Allan Franks - Head Fashion Designer
Laurie has many years of experience as a fashion designer, art instructor, and an established business owner. Her experience in the fashion industry began when she created her brand, La Movida Designs, in 1990 which launched 3 collections each year and was sold throughout BC and Alberta for 7 years. Laurie was responsible for all design concepts, illustrations, flat drawings, pattern drafting, sample sewing, material sourcing, costing, manufacturing, marketing and promotion, and training and administration.
She participated in over a dozen fashion shows as an event coordinator and as a contributing designer. Laurie had local features in the “Style and Fashion” section of the Vancouver Sun, The Province, and Georgia Straight papers.
Her passion for children’s education and art history expanded into a career in entrepreneurship as a children’s art instructor. Her extensive experience in planning curriculums, fashion design, and early education makes La Movida the ultimate learning studio in Vancouver.
At La Movida Sewing & Design Studio, Laurie has the ability to combine her technical skills of sewing, fashion design, and her creative eye with the passion for teaching to inspire a new generation of creative individuals.
Favorite Designers: Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier
Samantha Tran - Lead Sewing Instructor
Samantha developed her pattern drafting and technical design skills through the Fashion Design program at Blanche Macdonald. Samantha showed interest in fashion and sewing at a young age and has since accumulated a wide range of experience. She has a strong eye for fit and construction with experience in professional tailoring, ranging from pageant gowns to technical outdoor gear, and theatre costuming. Samantha shares the belief that sewing helps promote self expression as well as develop patience, dexterity and problem solving skills.
Amaranta Gonzalez - Fashion Design Instructor
Amaranta is a dynamic and passionate fashion designer, excited to bring her unique creativity and energy to the fashion world. Since childhood, she has always been involved in art and design, which opened her creative mindset. With a diploma and a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from LaSalle College Vancouver, Amaranta has developed her skills in pattern drafting, sewing, drawing, painting, visual composition, and concept development. She believes that people who sew are warriors with their hands and artist with their hearts.
Jennifer Lin - Operations Manager
Jennifer is a graduate at John Casablancas Institute with a Diploma in Fashion Business and Creative Arts. Since enrolling in JCI, she found her passion for sewing and its creative process. Jennifer started as a sales associate and her interest and dedication in fashion retail eventually led her into management positions. She held various roles in retail over the past 7 years including styling and visual merchandising. She is driven to express her creativity through art and fashion.
Ava Katz - Studio Coordinator
Ava is a vibrant multimedia artist with a special interest in soft sculptures. Since childhood, they have pursued their artistic passions through drawing painting, and sculpting. They discovered their love for sewing while completing their Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emily Carr and have been creating large-scale textile forms ever since. Ava also has a deep love of teaching. With over 10 years of experience teaching children, they are passionate about helping others discover their creative talents and unlock their artistic skills.