Find out what Carlie Wong, Canadian fashion designer and queen of the effortlessly chic “little black dress” has to say about trends, the industry, and more.

1. When did you know you were going to be a designer?

I knew I wanted to be a designer when I was around 11 years old. Of course back then I had no idea what that involved.  

2. Where do you find inspiration for your collections?

I find inspiration anywhere. History, travel or even just a feeling of how I want the world to be 12 months from now. Music is a big influence; often I have a song in mind for the fashion show before I even start designing. However, I don’t “find” inspiration. It’s a very organic process. I learnt the hard way that you can’t force it. Inspiration either comes or it doesn’t. Either way I go with my gut; if I’m feeling it, I do it.  

3. What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?

Business / Communication / interpersonal skills
Ambitiousness
Perseverance   

4. What do you love most about your career?

I don’t have to answer to anybody on a creative level and I get to do what I love doing as a career. I love that all my efforts go into my own business and not someone else’s.  

5. Describe your label in three words.

Luxury; Feminine; Effortless  

6. Describe your personal style in three words.

Effortless; Polished; Monochromatic 

7. What is the biggest challenge you face working in Canada?

The biggest challenge is the lack in demand for the style of my clothing in Canada. In some ways the industry isn’t very nurturing of their designers; you almost need to “make it” on a North American or international stage before they stand up and take notice.  

8. If you could change one thing about the Canadian fashion industry what would it be?

I love fashion, but don’t like the industry. There needs to be a better way for Canada to nurture their young artists. Being Canadian, you would think that everyone would be friendly and helpful to each other; but fashion is a global industry; and all across the world the industry is fickle, catty and cut throat.  

9. What designers have influenced you?

In design: Georgio Armani, Max Azria, Valentino, Coco Chanel, Paul Poiret, Madame Gres, Tom Ford. On a personal level: Brian Bailey, Manuel Mendoza, Wayne Clark, Jason Matlo 

10. What trends are you most excited about for Fall/Winter 08.

I don’t like the idea of trends, so I try to avoid them. But I’m glad to see a return to body conscious dressing. My design aesthetic consist of clothing that is form fitting and flattering to the body, so I’m excited to see billowy dresses replaced with dresses that have waist definition.  

11. Who would you love to see wearing your duds?

I have a serious girl crush on Catherine Zeta Jones, but I would love to see any influential person wearing my clothes. Dressing an A-list celebrity is an important goal for a designer. I consider it a sign that I have “made it”.  

12. Describe your perfect day.  Where would you go? What would you do? What are your favourite spots in Canada – coffee shops, boutiques, fabric stores – we want to know!

This is hard. It depends on my mood…and the weather. Vancouver is a great city for eats. That’s my favorite thing to do here. If it’s nice I like to go to English Bay and eat chicken shwarma on the beach. There’s some great food on Denman St and Commercial Drive. The city also has the best sushi in the world. My favorite places are Sushi Yama and Toshi’s. My favorite restaurant is probably Tandoori King; despite the name, it has very authentic Indian cuisine. True Confections is always good for desserts. La Rocca and Favorito are good for Italian. La Bodega and Stella’s are good for tapas. Banana Leaf is good for Malaysian food. Afghan Horseman is good for Middle Eastern food. Eating is the one of the best ways to spend time in Vancouver. 

Select items will be available at the following retail locations in Fall 2008: 

Boutique Le Trou in Toronto  
The Velvet Room Boutique in Vancouver
Manuel Mendoza in Vancouver