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

When I was little, I made clothes for my dolls and didn’t even think to call it fashion design. Then, when I was 13, I participated in my first fashion illustration exhibition and probably then realized that I love fashion. Now I just love to create, but am not sure if it’ll remain apparel in the future…there are lots of ways to express your creativity and I might be somewhere else.  You never know. 

Where do you find inspiration for your collections?

Everywhere: on the streets, in music, movies, photography… 

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

Passion, dedication and patience.   

What do you love most about your career?

Freedom. 

Describe your label in three words.

Desperately Different Divine.  

Describe your personal style in three words.

Diverse, distinctive, eclectic.  

What is the biggest challenge you face working in Canada?

An unpredictable future.  

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

The consumers.  

What designers have influenced you?

They could be well known or independent, it doesn’t matter. Lee Saing Bong, Jean Paul Gaultier are personal favourites. 

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

I personally love voluminous chunky knits, especially if they are hand made. I always prefer to have a piece  filled with “hand” energy.  

Who would you love to see wearing your duds?

Feist, Charlotte Ginsburg, Natalie Portman.  

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!

The perfect day, for me, would be jumping on a plane and leaving work behind.

I’m going to Nicaragua in a few weeks. I love to travel and I love extreme sports.  

As for Toronto – The best coffee for me is at I-deal  (try any location in Kensington or on Ossington Ave. Later, I would browse the galleries and vintage shops in the area.  

I also like to hunt for treasures in stores like Stella Luna or Cabaret.  St. Lawrence market is another great destination for antiques and food. 

www.desperatelydifferent.com  on-line shop is coming soon!

Also available at:
Pho – pa
ModelCitizen
Little Black Dress shop
Fawn
Finn