 |
Vancouver is home to a thriving fashion industry made up of individuals committed to its growth and success. Get to know these personalities in The Inseam and discover what makes the Vancouver Fashion scene so awesome. |
Photo: courtesy Vanessa Heins
What do Disney movies, Michael Jackson and funk music have in common with Carlie Wong? They serve as sources of inspiration for the designer’s eponymous fashion label. Carlie creates clothing for the ultimate night on the town, complete with luxurious materials, sleek silhouettes and a touch of attitude.
Valerie Tiu: How did you get your start in fashion?
Carlie Wong: I went to school for fashion design and got a Bachelor’s Degree. I worked in the industry for a few years as a designer and dressmaker for a couple of companies before beginning my own line.
VT: How would you describe you design aesthetic?
CW: I would say my design aesthetic always falls back on making clean and sophisticated pieces that scream luxury and sex appeal; and above all, are flattering to the body.
VT: Where do you get your inspiration?
CW: Everywhere. A lot of my inspirations come from things I've seen and heard during my childhood; from the funk music that my dad played when I was growing up, to the Disney movies I watched as a child, to the Jackson's Victory tour concert footage from 1984 that I watched with my family many years ago. Most of my inspirations are an amalgamation of things… things that stew inside my subconscious mind and mix with other ideas. I tend to connect with the aesthetics of the 1970s in most of my collections...whether it’s the silhouettes, the spirit of the era or the music.
VT: What is the biggest challenge of being a fashion designer in Vancouver?
CW: I'm honestly not sure how to answer this.... I think it's a challenge to be a designer anywhere, but specifically, it’s more difficult to be female designer living in Canada. For one, Canada is not a fashion capital and being female has its own challenges. I seem to find that men dominate all industries and fashion is not an exception. I suppose Vancouver is a challenge only because its beauty and atmosphere makes people lazy. Many people say Vancouver is a hard market for fashion because people generally don't know much about it; we're known as the city of yoga pants and windbreakers. But I don't agree with this statement at all. It may be seemingly difficult for a luxury designer to be successful here, but there are many people in Vancouver who know fashion, who want fashion and who can afford luxury fashion - you just need to find them.
VT: What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
CW: I don't have any...what I mean is, I don't view any accomplishments to be more significant than the others. Each collection I complete is a mini accomplishment to me.
VT: Many people know you from Project Runway Canada. How did that experience influence your approach to design?
CW: It didn't influence my approach in design at all. I entered the show with my own approach and left with the same approach. The experience on the show allowed me to meet people in the industry who have become mentors to me, but my design perspective has always been true to what I choose to do. That's what I love about my job - when it comes to design, I answer to no one.
VT: You have introduced menswear in your more recent collections. What motivated you to go in this direction?
CW: I've done three collections with menswear now. It's not quite a full menswear collection, rather just incorporating a few menswear pieces in the line. It was more personal then it was from outside influences (which is how I roll for the most part). I've always wanted to do it; it wasn't really something that had to motivate me, it was a timing and budget issue that made me wait for awhile. But I discovered that I really enjoy doing it even though it comes with a whole new set of challenges. I would also like to go into bridal soon, because each collection I do, I've steered farther away from evening gowns and I want to get back into that. I miss making them.
VT: How do you envision your line evolving in the future? Do you plan on continuing to base your business in Vancouver?
CW: I don't think about the future, I roll with the punches. As of right now, can I see myself leaving Vancouver? No - I don't believe in moving for business.
VT: What makes Vancouver so special? Where are your favourite places to hang out in the city?
CW: I love to eat in this city. I have honestly never had better food anywhere else in my travels. We are so close to the water and farmland, that food is fresh and there are so many cultures here, that ethnic foods are second to none. I like eating on Commercial Drive and Davie, shopping on Main and Gastown, walking the Seawall in the summer, and relaxing on the beaches. I love watching live bands, going to different festivals and farmers markets. It’s a very chill atmosphere in Vancouver, but there’s lots to do...that's why I love it. You can have the city life...and then you can have the beach right there at your fingertips.
What makes it so special? I'm not sure how to put it into words. All I know is that every time I leave, I can't wait to come back... and when I finally come back, I take a deep breath, smile and think: "I'm home.”
