Youre not a model, youre not even a designer on the program youre simply in the audience at Vancouver Fashion Week and all the photographers are looking at you, wanting to know where you got that outfit. I made it myself, is not the answer theyre expecting.
The other surprise is that Clarissa Gallaccio had only been designing and sewing her Clarisky creations for few months when she stopped the show at VFW. Now she gets invited to fashion events around the world to write about them for her blog, ClariskyBusiness.com.
How the civil engineering technologist can fit it all in with her full-time job designing artificial turf fields is a testament to her love of fashion.
I thought a blog would be a great way to get my stuff out there, but its so much time and work. You have to attend the events, write about it, take pictures and edit the photos. And I always want to wear something that I made, so five hours before I go to an event Im trying to sew something new. Its a lot of late nights, but youve got to work hard to get anything out of it.
It started when a couple girlfriends got tied up on weekends as servers. Gallaccio worked opposite hours, so she bought a sewing machine and, on Friday nights, started sewing away to fill the time. With the demand for her designs growing, she now turns her samples over to a professional seamstress when it comes time to produce them for retail.
The dresses, sold at Jennyfleur Loves boutique in Yaletown for $100 - $200, are feminine and flirty, and intended to be worn by a variety of women who enjoy their outfits a little classy and a little risky. Custom creations are also available through her website.
While many get their style inspiration from fashion events and magazines, Gallaccio says she is inspired by the desire to be different. As soon as I see somethings been done, I get kind of disappointed and rethink the idea. If its out there, I want to make sure that I thought of the idea myself, first.
For example, when the mullet skirt peaked this summer, her take was the segmented Cascade dress.Another favourite is the Go With The Flow-y (pictured), which continues to be one of her most requested pieces and is so versatile its even a hit with bridesmaids.
Its stuff that I want, the petite brunette continues. If a lot of people are wearing a trend, I try to think of a way to improve it or take it one step further.
Her must-have accessory: Pearl earrings
Her Fall forecast: Jewel tones
Her favourite place to find unique fabric at a good price: Value Village
Shell be covering Fashions Night Out this Thursday for The Social Life magazine. Look for her conducting interviews at the FNO Alberni Street location.
