White Ember Recap: Designer Interviews

The 4 inspiring designers of the Fashion Collective White Ember Fashion Show reveal backstage secrets, share their dreams and most importantly, give tips to those who are starting out in the industry.

What do you think is the secret to a successful fashion show?

Shannon: I think the secret to a successful show is the organization.

Manuela: The secret to a good fashion show is actually the attendants coming to view the collections. You could have an amazing show, but if no one important, such as industry professionals, are there then there is no point for the designer to showcase their work. It is meant to be promotion for them, and sponsors and VIP are the most crucial part to a show

Mashal: I think the secret to a successful fashion show is to plan and organize every aspect of the show before hand and once the day comes you just gotta go with the flow and enjoy yourself. It should never be too serious because the night is about celebration and most importantly fun.

Talia: In my opinion, the secret to a successful fashion show is dependent on three major factors. The first is obviously the collection. If the collection is interesting and the way it was presented is different , the attendants will enjoy the show. Second, the organization should be thought through all the way, starting with a location and guests and going through to hair and makeup. Little gift bags the attendants receive are also an important aspect.

How did you feel a moment before your collection went down the runway? What were you most concerned about at that moment and what were you thinking about?

Shannon: Just before everything hit the runway I felt scattered, I was trying to get all the outfit changes ready. I was trying to make sure the girls outfits were lined up for them in the order they were walking in.

Manuela: I was just hoping the girls came out with a strong walk and represented my clothes well. I usually get nervous coming out in the end because I believe the clothes represent myself already, I do not need to come out as well.

Mashal: I felt very stressed getting all the models in line, getting them dressed, fixing the clothes and accessories but once my playlist started and the first model walked down the runway it all got very exciting. I was concerned about clothing malfunctions or a model falling on the runway but all in all I was really happy and excited to show all the hard work I had put into planning the show and showing my collection.

Talia: I felt extremely nervous before the show and a million questions ran through my head. Will the audience like my collection? Would the models walk just the way I want them to? Will everything look cohesive as one collection? What should I do when I come out on the runway?

What were your inspirations for your collection?

Shannon: The inspirations for that collection were a “Nature meets city” theme, the colors were drawn from nature but the styles were more city chic.

Manuela: Asking a designer for inspiration is hard question to answer. It really just comes in my head

Mashal: My inspiration was minimalism and the black and white aspects of the Yin and Yang. I wanted to create a collection you could feel confident in but at the same time comfortable.

Talia: I wanted to create a futuristic line of head pieces that will be different from what I saw before and give an innovative feeling.

What do you like most about presenting your designs in a fashion show?

Shannon: I like seeing the response and getting contacts from shows.

Manuela: I enjoy seeing how my clothes actually move on the model.

Mashal: I appreciate seeing the reactions of the guests and the clothes coming to life after the long time I put into creating it.

Talia: I really love the feeling of getting recognition for my hard work and seeing my vision come to life. It is actually my own way of displaying my art. It is also very rewarding for me to hear what people thought about my collection, just to see if I succeeded communicating my message through my art.

Did you ever participate in fashion show as a designer before? Which one? How is each Fashion show different?

Shannon: I’ve done quite a few shows both for school and outside of school. Every show is different because every collection is going for a different look, and different event coordinators run things differently, so I’ve never done a show that’s the same as the last.

Manuela: Yes I have done multiple shows. My very first one was in high school, where i directed, produced and promoted the first ever fashion show. Then I have participated in some of the Ryerson shows, adding in a couple of pieces in Intro, Synthesis, Twice, and Stoic. I have done full collections at Hamilton Fashion Week, Fashion against Poverty and the Beauty and Health expo. Each show was different in many ways. The Ryerson ones are the most creative, while the others was a typical catwalk. Synthesis was a show completely in the dark which was awesome to be a part of.

Mashal: The recent ones I have participated in is Hamilton Fashion Week 2014 this past summer and the charity fashion show I planned and showcased in for Malala Fund in Woodsworth College (UofT).

Talia: I have participated before in the YLF Fashion Show 2014 where I first showcased my collection. I believe the main differences between fashion shows are theme and budget. Those two have a huge impact on fashion show.

What new things did you learn from your experience presenting your collection?

Shannon: You learn different things during every show, and come across different problems you need to solve. One of the best lessons I’ve learned in shows is make sure you have a good team with you for hair/makeup/models. If you use an unreliable modelling agency and models do not show up you are left scrambling and reorganizing looks and problem solving. That has happened to me many times. So make sure you use a modelling agency that is professional and that the coordinator keeps in touch with you constantly etc.

Manuela: I have learned to make sure I have a hairstylist, because I ended up doing my models hair.

Mashal: I learned a lot about planning a fashion show since I was on the organizing committee of this show, the things to do next time and the things that we will need to improve on such as having a more organized backstage. For our next show I want to create more stand out pieces due to my current inspiration: Alexander McQueen.

Talia: I have learned to have a proper theme to start with and to plan all the hair, makeup, clothes and music at least a week before. Another thing I learned is to keep a really organized backstage and to know where everyone is in every single moment. Keep track of Models, Clothes, Hair and makeup artists and designs at all times.

Which fashion show in the world you would dream to present your collection at? Why?

Shannon: As most designers would say, moving up in my career I’d like to eventually present at any of the world’s fashion weeks so I can share what I love with the rest of the world.

Manuela: Looking at my clothing as a brand, it will be more successful in London. There is a casual feel to it but it is edgy and minimal at the same time which I think will be represented there well.

Mashal: I would love to present a haute couture collection at Paris Fashion Week or show at Coco Chanel’s studio/store someday. These would all be fun and exciting because I could be as creative as I wanted and focus on creating a show that would be an experience for the audience rather than a passive showing of my collection.

Talia: My dream is to present my collection at London, Canada and New York Fashion Week. I think I will be able to connect with the audience in these shows best. These are really respectable fashion weeks and I would love to show in all three.

Interview by fashionscissors.net