Local Spotlight: Eve + Enoch

Today I'm featuring one of my favorite local designers: Jessilyn Poole from EVE + ENOCH! I first met Jessilyn and her sister Megan (now a partner in her business) back in 2011 at an Edmonton fashion design contest when she was just 20 years old, fresh out of college (she went to Marvel) and having recently started her label only a couple months before. After seeing the Sherwood Park resident's cute and contemporary dresses at the event, I remember thinking to myself, "I would totally wear her clothing!" Fast forward four years later and the EVE + ENOCH brand is now available to the masses online, at Bamboo Ballroom and J. Lea Fashion House opening this fall in Windermere. Scroll down to read my interview with this bright-eyed beauty about how she got started, what obstacles she's had to overcome starting a business from scratch and what she thinks about Edmonton's fashion industry.

Interview - The Gingham Trend

Diane Von Furstenberg Riviera Dress, Zara Narrow Trousers, WAYF Cropped Button Down Blouse

I was recently interviewed by the Edmonton Journal for an article on the Gingham trend for Spring. Click here to read : ) And click below to see more of my favorite gingham picks!

Interview With Actress Teresa Palmer

You may know Australian actress Teresa Palmer from starring in films like Warm Bodies, Bedtime Stories, I Am Number Four, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and The Grudge 2 (just to name a few!). But the 27 year-old beauty is much more than a celebrity whose star is rising fast - Teresa is also the co-creator of Your Zen Life, one of my favorite lifestyle websites and an inspiration to many people around the world thanks to her 'Tez Talks' videos on Youtube and her positive outlook on life. I was lucky enough to interview her about healthy living, staying grounded in Hollywood, working with Liam Hemsworth (!) and much more. Read on to find out why Teresa is such an inspiring role model and the most down-to-earth actress in Tinseltown.

Please tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind Your Zen Life, how it came to fruition and what it's all about.

YZL is an online portal for all things health and wellness. Phoebe Tonkin and I decided to create a platform in which people from all over the world had access to information on positive living. We were at dinner in Los Angeles when we discussed our passion for using our profiles to be of service and to affect positive change in the world, this is where the idea was born and it evolved from this point.

Teresa and her best friend, actress Phoebe Tonkin

I know eating healthy is very important to you. What is your diet like? 

I try to eat organic wherever possible. I'm typically vegan, however, in my pregnancy (I'm currently five months along) under my midwives recommendation I had become vegetarian. I used to be hyper militant about the food I put into my body, however, now I believe I have a much healthier approach to my diet and ensure that it's well-balanced yet not so strict that I don't allow myself the freedom to indulge every now and then.

Do you see a nutritionist? What advice would you give to people who want to live a healthier lifestyle, starting with a healthy diet, but may not have access to a nutritionist?

I don't actively see a nutritionist, I've seen one twice in the past. Advice I could offer is to gain knowledge on healthy ingredients and make sure you always look at the back of products and read all the ingredients so you know what to look for and what to avoid. A healthy diet consists of well rounded, well-portioned meals with a good balance of protein (eg. nuts, tempeh). Try to avoid red meat and dairy and any other animal products if possible which, in my opinion, ultimately leads to better health. Indulge in healthy fats in the form of avocados and olives and include an abundant amount of greens, fruits and try to make sure you are having lots of different colors (your plate should visually look like a rainbow of food) you can ensure you're making healthy food choices. Also, at the grocery store: shop along the peripheral boundaries where the fruits and vegetables, healthy unprocessed, organic foods are. The closest to nature your food is, the better it is for you.

I understand you Juice! Care to share a favorite recipe?

My greens juice is my favorite! I love doing chunks of pineapple, cucumber, mint, lime, kale and spinach. I try to have a green juice once a day to ensure I'm getting an adequate amount of healthy nutrients.

How do you stay fit?

I balance my week between Pilates, yoga and a combination of weight training and cardio. I try to work out at least four times a week, for an hour a day.

Is it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on location for a film?

It really can be, especially when you don't have access to organic foods. It's important to plan ahead and bring food to work with you, to ensure that you're never in a situation where you have to make a poor food choice.

One of my favorite parts of YZL is your inspirational 'Tez Talks' videos, where you speak from the heart, about your personal experience regarding all sorts of issues women face today, including body image. What are you hoping to achieve with these videos and what can your viewers look forward to, regarding upcoming vlogs?

‘Tez Talks’ has become one of the most important aspects of what I do with my life. I really feel blessed to be in a position where I have access to good information and I have had a lot of time to work on self-development. As a result of the position I am in because of my career, I understand and recognize that I have a voice that can reach a wider community. I feel inspired to share my experiences with people and try to lead by example in a positive manner as I think there's so much negativity in the media today that's fueling people to lead unfullfilling lives. I know there's a different way and from the enthusiastic response I've had from viewers, it encourages my desire to continue to work together in this way.

As a famous actress living in L.A., a city that some may assume is superficial, you are a very down-to-earth person and seem truly comfortable in your skin. How do you stay grounded and true to yourself?

I'm very selective in the types of people that I have around me. I embrace authentic, spiritual, loving people who I surround myself with. We're each other's special community and understand the fragility of life and the blessings that it brings. Being around people like that makes it so much easier not to stray from that sort of thinking.

  

How do you feel about young actresses/celebrities getting plastic surgery and feeling the pressure to stay thin? And do you personally ever feel that pressure and if so, how do you deal with that?

That is an epidemic in our industry, which is awful because we are on the world stage. Beauty should be embraced at all stages of life and also there should be more celebration of the state of one's spirit rather than what size pants they wear or how many wrinkles a person has. When you radiate with love, it makes you so much more of a beautiful person. I don't place judgment on those who choose differently but in my personal belief, it is a waste of time to try and live up to another person’s idea of what physical beauty is.

You're a very spiritual person.  In one 'Tez Talks' video you talk about 'Manifesting Greatness and Love' and how you manifested your fiance, Mark. Can you tell me a little more about that?

I'm a huge believer in manifesting, I think when you ask for it in the right way, it comes to you. I believe no dream is too big and my greatest dream was to meet a partner who shared the same beliefs and ideals about life. I manifested Mark, as well as many other things in my life, manifesting is easy once you understand that it's all about the approach and how you must stay in a high vibrating frequency in order to create the space for other high vibrating things to enter into your realm.

With her fiance - actor/writer/director/producer Mark Webber

You have mentioned in your vlogs that you have gone through some tough times in your life. What advice would you give to people who are fighting some sort of battle at the moment and are reading this interview right now?

Just to understand that life is full of peaks as well as valleys and that every adversity we face is an opportunity to grow. And to understand that the pain you feel is one of the greatest gifts in life because there is a lesson in it; I now look at pain as a beautiful healing rather than something to be fearful of.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Mark and any other person who faces adversity bravely and dedicates themselves to a life of service and self development. I honestly get inspired by different people, everyday.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself living with a big family, continuing to grow the wellness community that Phoebe and I have created. Developing film, TV and book projects with Mark. And expand Tez Talks to be a portal where I can travel and talk about my experiences and reach out to a more global audience and continuing to be of service. 

You have the whole day free to do anything you want. How would you spend it?

With Mark. I would do a yoga class in the morning, have a green juice. Go on a picnic with Mark, my mum, best friends and the kids then spend the rest of the afternoon at our friends beach house doing water sports and hanging with family. I would finish the night off with a veggie BBQ and watch a horror film after the kids are in bed! Pure bliss!

If I came to your house and opened your refrigerator, what would I find in there?

Spinach, tomatoes, gluten free wraps, glass bottle of water, olives, sundries tomatoes, miso paste, onion, half eaten avocado's, celery, tempeh, kombucha (when I'm not pregnant), Fabes fruit sweetened gluten-free cookies.

Top 5 Favorite Books

1. The Baby Book by Dr William Sears

2. By Myself and Then Some autobiography by Lauren Bacall

3. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

4. A New Earth by Eckhart tolle

5. Anatomy of The Spirit- Caroline  Myss

Favorite websites you visit frequently:

www.tinybuddha.com

 
www.justjared.com (sucker!)

 
www.thekindlife.com

 
www.ohsheglows.com

Favorite Beauty Products:

Artistry Creme LX moisturizer

Artistry Youth Xtend products

 
Almond oil for whole body

 Teresa is the global face for the prestige beauty line ARTISTRY

5 Things you cannot live without:

1. Fiancé, family and friends

2. Organic whole foods

3. My black stretch pants!

4. Phone

5. Your Zen Life and Phoebe Tonkin!

(I have to ask you this question because my local readers would kill me if I didn't ask!) You recently shot a film in my hometown, Edmonton, with Liam Hemsworth, John Malkovich, Billy Bob Thornton and Oliver Platt. What was your experience like filming here? What was it like working with such amazing actors?

I LOVED Edmonton. I fell in love with Noorish restaurant whilst I was there. It was a really sweet city. I had fun going to Yoga and taking a run in the park in the city. I loved the enthusiasm of the people there and how much they embraced us all. I loved all my costars, it was a pleasure working with both Liam and John again. It felt like a close knit little family. Liam has a cracker sense of humor and always had us laughing. I'm actually working with his brother Luke right now, who is so similar to him.

Teresa and Liam filming 'Cut Bank' in Alberta this past summer

What's next on your plate?

I'm shooting Kill Me Three times with Simon Pegg, Sullivan Stapleton, Alice Braga and Luke Hemsworth. I just wrapped my film The Ever After with my fiancé Mark Webber and Melissa Leo. I wrote the film, produced it and financed it so that was exciting. I have a Terrence Malick film coming out called Knight Of Cups with Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett. Then of course I'm getting married in December and my baby comes in Feb so I'm very excited to start this new journey!

100 years from now, how would you like to be remembered?

As a wonderful mother and wife who alongside her family helped create a beautiful change in the world towards consciousness and positive living.

Teresa recently posed pregnant for WHO Magazine's Body Issue

You can follow Teresa on Twitter here and Your Zen Life here.

Interview With Rising Star Kayley Chabot

Kayley walking for Alexander Wang

When I first got into styling, my very first fashion job as an assistant stylist was for a creative shoot with then-14-year-old model Kayley Chabot. The Grand Prairie native, signed with Edmonton's Mode Models since she was thirteen years old, had just been signed with Ford in New York a few days prior. I remember Kayley was very excited and I, along with everyone else lucky enough to get to know this sweet and energetic girl, was thrilled for her. That was a little over a year ago. Since then, Kayley (now 16 years old), has walked in New York, London and Paris Fashion Week's S/S 2013 collections for designers such as Alexander Wang, Prouenza Schouler, Valentino, Georgio Armani, Jill Stuart, Nina Ricci, Erdem, Preen and Calvin Klein, just to name a few! And this is all in one season! Kayley's star is clearly on the rise. She recently returned to Alberta after Paris Fashion Week ended and will be hitting the runway for Edmonton's annual fundraiser Fashion With Compassion this Thursday, October 11th. I had a chance to catch up with the stunning model and ask her about her recent success and what it's like to walk for designer Alexander Wang!

How old were you when you started modeling and how did you get into the industry?

I had just turned 13 when I got signed with Mode. My cousin and I sent in some pictures and I ended up getting signed! Then after a couple years of development, Paul Rowland from Ford spotted me on the Mode website, flew me to New York and signed me.

Did you always want to be a model?
For as long as I can remember, yes.

 Dolce & Gabbanna, Georgio Armani

You debuted at New York Fashion Week walking for BCBG Max Azria. What was that like?

It was so much fun for me! I didn't realize how much time really goes into these shows. I was shocked by the amount of people and paparazzi there. It was a new and different experience, but I had an amazing time.

You walked in Alexander Wang’s show, which was one of the most anticipated collections at NYFW. Tell me a little bit about that.
AMAZING. The clothes were beautifully made and the people were so nice. I'm so grateful for walking in the show, it felt like a dream to me!

What has been your favorite show to walk in and why?
Definitely Alexander Wang. The runway was cool with all the twists and turns; the energy was so upbeat and fun. All in all, it was just a really great experience.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino

What is it like backstage before, during and after a show? Do you get nervous before you go out on the runway?

I rarely get stage fright, so getting nervous (thankfully), wasn't an issue for me. Before the show is hair and make up, which is usually the most relaxing time. It's a good time to grab some food, have a nap while you're getting your hair done, get a nice face massage in makeup and come out of it all looking and feeling like a million bucks! During the show, there are people attacking you from every angle, making sure you look perfect. Also, there's usually someone yelling at the paparazzi, telling them to get out of the way or to go somewhere else. AFTER is what makes it all worth the time and effort. Everyone's so proud and happy with what they've accomplished, it's great to see.

How do you stay grounded when you’re only 16 years old, flying all over the world, walking in glamorous runway shows, wearing gorgeous clothing most women could only dream of wearing when most kids your age are in school learning algebra?

It's definitely different! I've had no choice but to grow up during the whole experience and become independent. I've been meeting new people everyday and have really been learning so much about the world throughout my experiences.

BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein

What model do you look up to the most?

I've always loved Abbey Lee Kershaw. She's worked hard to get to where she is.

Has your personal style changed much since being thrust into the fashion world?

So much! I went from wearing light, floral, easy-to-wear, very feminine clothes, to wearing all dark or black tailored pieces with an occasional pop of color. I'm really loving leather right now too. 

You’ll be strutting the runway this Thursday, opening the show for Fashion With Compassion in Edmonton. Are you looking forward to it?

I always look forward to Fashion with Compassion! It's always so much fun and everyone's so sweet, I'm really excited to see some fellow Edmonton girls!

What do you love about modeling?

I love the traveling so much. Gonna be honest though, the free stuff is nice too!

What do you dislike about modeling?

Language barriers!

Gareth Pugh, Altuzarra

What advice can you give young girls wanting to get into the industry?

It's not easy! Everything's last minute and you never know what to expect with this industry. You just have to take it day by day, hope for the best and don't take any criticism to heart, everyone has their opinions!

What’s next for Kayley Chabot?

I'm hoping that all good things keep happening, but like I said, you never know! I'll be heading back to New York soon so we'll see what happens from there. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Doing something that I love, whether it be modeling, going to school, something!

Name 5 things you can’t live without:

1. Family

2. A nice comfy bed to come home to

3. iPhone

4. Sweaters

5. Good moisturizer

 Backstage at Prouenza Schouler and Dolce & Gabbana

*photos from the Mode Models blog

When I asked Mode Models Agency Director Michael Meneghetti if he always knew Kayley had that "special something" when he first met her at thirteen years old he responded with this: "We always knew she had such incredible potential, it was just about managing her right and making the correct plan for a young girl like this, not shoving her into the business too quickly. We took it slow and made good decisions so that she could have the best start to her career possible, and she did. This is only the beginning for our Kayley, she has such maturity and is so current and directional in her look, she's going to be around for a while." If her success in the past month is any indication of where her career is headed, I think Mr. Meneghetti might be right ; ).

To keep up with Kayley and her exciting career you can follow her on twitter @kayleychabot 

Lady-Like LUXX

On Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Edmonton-based designer Derek Jagodzinsky's cozy (and unusually organized!) downtown studio on 104th St. to get a sneak peak of his versatile S/S 2012 collection he'll be showing at Western Canada Fashion Week. Titled 'Lady-Like Luxx', Derek's line features "strong, tailored, sculptural separates that take a woman to work, night or play with interchangeable blazers, skirts, pants and dresses. It's about every day dressing for women who want to look professional and effortlessly chic in the workplace or anywhere life takes them."

Luxx's Asian-inspired, clean cut kimono blazer

 Love the shoulder cut-outs
photo credit: Marquis of Fashion, used with permission

The back of this top is as cool as Derek's hair, don't you think? ; )

Derek, who is not only a clothing designer but also works as a graphic designer and professional photographer says he is inspired by people, places and things but doesn't have a specific 'theme' when it comes to designing a collection. "For me, it's not about themes," he states, "It's about beautiful clothing that is ready-to-wear. I make real clothes for real women." Sweet and simple.

Derek has only been designing by himself for two years but looking at these beautifully crafted garments you would think he's been making clothes for much longer than that. "Well, I worked with designers before I started designing for myself and learned about the fashion business before venturing out on my own. I have always LOVED fashion ever since I can remember and always wanted to be a fashion designer." Derek has already had Thread Hill pick up his F/W 2011 line and when I ask the 27 year-old designer where he sees himself in five years he tells me, "I see myself selling across Canada and some parts of the USA and the UK and really building my brand." I have no doubt in my mind this talented and driven designer will do just that!

Snippets from the LUXX studio

I just had to take a photograph of his cool jewelry! 

The bracelet is from Winners and the ring was designed by Sandra Sing Fernandes.

Lady-Like by Luxx will be shown on Wednesday September 28th at WCFW. You can get your tickets here orrrrrrr follow me on Twitter and Facebook for daily ticket giveaways!

Twitter

Facebook

Life On and After 'The Bachelor' : An interview With Shawntel Newton from Brad's Season

Fans of the reality show ‘The Bachelor’ will remember Shawntel Newton as the gorgeous, down-to-earth, and fun-loving mortician who fell in love with Brad Womack last season. Unfortunately for viewers, this fan favorite was sent home after her hometown date with Brad which included a tour of her family’s funeral parlor. In the end he proposed to the Barbie-esque Emily Maynard. But it’s all good because Shawntel was too good for Brad any way! They all were. Below, the 25 year-old Chico, California native answers all my (very) random questions about the show and dishes on life in the Bachelor mansion, life after Brad Womack, Bachelor fashion and what she thinks of the infamous Bentley on this season of ‘The Bachelorette.’

You had never seen an episode of ‘The Bachelor’ before you went on the show. What did you expect when you got out of the limo that first night?

My two younger sisters thought it would be a great idea to sign me up for a dating show, and they were huge fans of 'The Bachelor', so the next thing I know I'm on a plane to LA to start filming. I had NO expectations getting out of that limo. I didn’t know who Brad was but I thought he looked good in a suit! I came out of that limo free-spirited and ready for anything and everything.

Shawntel with her sisters Destiny (left) and Vanessa

One of the things that made you stand out from the other girls was the fact that you have a very interesting job -you’re a funeral director. How do you separate your work from your life? Is it difficult not to take your work home with you when you deal with death on a daily basis?

This is a question I get asked a lot. In fact, the average funeral director burns out in 10 years because they were not able to separate themselves from work. Growing up in the business has helped me a lot. I have been around death all the time. It’s not that I am immune to death, but I have been able to learn early on how to professionally separate myself from the families I serve. A lot of people think that our job has to be easy, because all we do is work on the dead. This is so not true. We work with the survivors of the dead. I have a huge zest for life, and my family's like that…I help bring life to this work. There has been many times that I have cried with families or I have gone home thinking about what I saw, said or did at my work, but that’s healthy. It’s just not all the time…thank God!

 

Hometown date with Brad (on her embalming table) 

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you on the job? 

There was this one time I was at the funeral home around 2 in the morning waiting for another employee to meet me so we could go on a removal. I was in the garage where our refrigeration unit is (and sometimes it makes noises). And of course, it made this loud thump noise and I FREAKED out. I didn’t even open the door to see what happened. The funny thing is I knew the refrigeration unit made noises. But that night I freaked myself out. 

Your first one-on-one date with Brad may have been one of the best dates in Bachelor history because he took you on a freakin' SHOPPING SPREE in Vegas! What was that like? And do you still wear the clothes he bought you? 

That was the best date EVER. I was literally in shock when Brad told me that I could have anything I wanted. I live in a small town, and our shopping is not the best. Some of the stores I never even heard of before but I pretended I knew. I do wear the clothes still, especially the shoes. I love shoes. A girl can never have enough shoes!

 

Shopping with Brad in Sin City 

  

A lot of people that watch ‘The Bachelor/Bachelorette’ think it’s extremely edited and maybe even scripted. Some viewers (like the majority of my friends) think contestants are actually actors planted on the show to stir up drama to increase ratings. What is your take on this?

I think it’s a little bit of both. I will tell you that the drama that starts with the contestants is REAL. When you are stuck in a house with a ton of girls, and you are all going after the same guy…the claws will come out. I am so NOT a drama girl, so that’s why I was not seen as much in the beginning with all the drama. I stayed OUT! I don’t necessarily think that they “plant” actors on the show, but I think that they know who they can get to stir up some ruckus! 

What did you girls do when you had spare time at the house?

We drank cocktails, sat by the pool, painted our nails and talked and talked and talked! We were filmed all day, every day. 

How long are the rose ceremonies? I get the impression from past contestants that they drag on forever! 

In the beginning the rose ceremonies are so long and very exhausting. But your adrenalin is so high and you are anxious that it helps with keeping you awake.

Totally random question: Were you allowed to talk to the camera operators while they were filming you or did you treat them like a fly on the wall?  
You are not able to talk to the camera operators. We were to focus on our conversations with each other and of course, Brad.

Do you get to choose who you room with? 
We didn’t get to choose who we roomed with, but it didn’t matter to me because I knew we weren’t going to be spending a lot of time in our rooms.

Who were you closest to in the house?

I came off the show with a best friend, Chantal. She and I not only shared the same name, but we just hit it off from the beginning. 

Shawntel and Chantal

What is Michelle Money really like?  

I really love Michelle. She and I got along very well. To be honest, I got along with most all of the girls. I didn’t let them interfere with me getting to know Brad. And I did that in a classy way. Michelle just is a sarcastic person, and it was taken the wrong way. She’s a beautiful mother. 

Did you do your own makeup on the show or is there a makeup artist on hand?

We did our own make-up and hair. 

How did you decide what to wear on the show? What were your favorite outfits? 

This was really hard, because normally when you are going out on a date or with friends, you ask your girlfriends if you look good or not. In this case, I usually didn’t like to ask the girls if I looked cute, because they would probably lie! I went shopping in my girlfriend’s closets before I left for the show, and had plenty of dresses and cute outfits to pick from. My favorite dress was my yellow gown I wore out of the limo, and then my outfit I wore on the shopping spree in Vegas. 

 Shawntel in her yellow dress, goofing off with Brad and during one of the most dramatic rose ceremonies ever. 

You totally kicked butt on the group stunt date. How do you stay in shape?

This date was SO fun. I just got into this mode of kick-butt time and got the lead role with Brad and was able to make-out with him…many times! I actually take kick-boxing lessons here in Chico. And I love it. It’s by far the best workout. Thank goodness I took those classes, because it came in handy that day!!!

 Making out with Womack

To see her in action click here

 If I take up kick boxing can I look like this??

What are your favorite stores to shop at?

I love to online shop and lulus.com is one of my favorites. We have some fun boutiques here in Chico, like Urban Laundry, Ruby’s and Kreations. 

What are three beauty products you can’t live without?

I love my Victoria Secret banana lip-gloss, mineral bronzer and my MAC eye shadow “honey.” 

If you had been asked to be ‘The Bachelorette’ instead of Ashley this season would you have said yes?  
Actually, I was asked to be the Bachelorette and I considered it. I was a little hesitant though and didn’t think I needed to be the Bachelorette to find my husband. I think they made the right choice with Ashley.

I have to ask: What do you think of the whole Ashley and Bentley situation? Did you want to dropkick him like I did while watching the episode when he left the show? 

Heck yes! I wanted to dropkick Bentley. He is just a jerk! I have nothing to say about him aside from that he’s making a fool out of himself and I hate seeing a friend cry. 

Who do you think Ashley will choose? (I'm hoping it's JP!) 

I am really hoping Ashley picks JP, too. He’s my favorite for her. I am also loving, Ben F., Nick and Ames. 

 JP (wooh!) & Bentley (boo!)

What was the best part of being on ‘The Bachelor’?

The best part of being on 'The Bachelor' was the adventures I was able to be a part of. 

The worst? 
The worst was watching it and noticing how I wore pajamas ALL the time. I was hardly ever dressed up. But I guess that’s just me ; ). 

I understand you’re working on writing a book. Can you tell me a little bit about that? 
I am and I am so excited about that. I have always wanted to write a book ever since I was in the funeral industry. So I think now is the time. I am working on an autobiography and it’s going to be based on my upbringing in the funeral industry.

What is life like after ‘The Bachelor?’ Are you dating? 
A lot of doors have been opening up since I have been off the show. It’s an exciting time right now. I am not dating anyone. Like my grandmother always says, “he’ll come when you least expect it.” 

You can follow Shawntel on Twitter and on Facebook.

Follow me on Twitter 

*All personal photos courtesy of Shawntel Newton. Promo and show pictures via Wetpaint, Hollywood Gossip, TV Food and Drink & ABC

Interview With Emerging Contemporary Designer Genette Salgado

photography by Amanda Diaz

Model: Autumn Allen for Mode Models

Hair: Ponytails & Horseshoes

One of the shows I'm most excited about seeing during Western Canada Fashion week and one that has been generating a lot of buzz is Genette Salgado's F/W 2011 evening dress collection which premieres at the Transalta Arts Barns Tuesday March 29th. Described as "part rocker, part pin-up, part girl next door," Genette's designs are edgy and sophisticated and downright stunning. I had the opportunity to interview the Cebu, Philippines-born designer who is sure to impress at fashion week.

1. The collection you'll be showing at Western Canada Fashion Week tomorrow night is called "Baby, Whatcha Gonna Do With Your Life?" What was your inspiration for the name?

 

I usually look to song lyrics for my collection titles. It can be pretty difficult to find that one liner that encompasses the mood, the inspiration, my personal thoughts, etc. and sometimes it comes from the most random and unexpected song like this one did. “Baby, Whatcha Gonna Do With Your Life?”  suited the collection perfectly as it parallels my inspiration of evening soirees of the upper crust during the Edwardian Era with my current position of not knowing what my next moves will be. Everything’s up in air and it’s a matter of figuring out what will come after.

2. What is the best part of fashion week for you?

 

The few days leading up to the show. It’s exciting to see things finally come together. All the work and time and energy put in in the months before come to fruition and it’s a great feeling.

3. What is the worst part?

 

The few days leading up to the show. As exciting as it is, it’s also a bit frantic, and stressful, and I second guess or doubt myself. It’s all part of the process.

4. Do you find it difficult being a clothing designer in Canada ?

 

I’m still fairly new in the industry but I have found it to be quite challenging. I was unable to obtain a paid design position after graduating which is why I decided to work on my own designs on top of interning with several designers for more hands-on experience. I was also very fortunate to have interned in NYC this past summer and the opportunities, the experiences, and the energy and support surrounding fashion were things I’ve unfortunately, never felt in Canada – to that degree anyways.

5. How do you come up with your creations? Do you have a specific process? Who or what are your influences?

 

I find inspiration in a variety of things from pop culture to history to art to my own personal experiences, and everything in between. The process I take to come up with a collection takes a bit of time and a lot of ground work from researching my chosen inspiration and direction, to rough sketches, to painted illustrations. And all that before I even start drafting and creating muslins (or prototypes of the garments).

6. What was it like interning for Obakki?

 

It was an interesting experience as I was doing more office work and organizing as opposed to more hands-on tasks like cutting fabric or creating surface details – responsibilities I had at other internships. But I did get to see the other side of the business - not just the design part which was great. I also became friends with a couple of amazing people, one of whom is now a freelance publicist in NYC.

7.  You took the fashion design program at Blanche MacDonald's Centre for Applied Design. Do you think aspiring designers need to go to school to be successful at their craft?

 

I think for any artist to be successful in their craft, one should continuously be in a learning environment whether that be in a school setting or an internship or mentorship. It’s also important to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. For me personally, attending Blanche Macdonald was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At Blanche I learned the foundation for making fashion design a career – everything else, I learned from other designers, other friends/artists, from business people. I think that once we stop learning, we stop living.

8. Are you living in Edmonton or Vancouver at the moment? Where can we buy your clothes?

 

I’m in Edmonton for the time being. I’m not selling anywhere as of yet but I hope to either sell consignment or online in the next few weeks.

9. What's next for you?

 

There’s nothing definite... I’m exploring options in the States and possibly in the UK but wherever I end up, I still plan on designing and creating garments under my label.

To learn more about Genette and her beautiful designs check out her website.

Follow me on Twitter