Calgary native, Caitlin Power has been recognized for redefining women’s wear through classic tailoring, architectural details and sharp silhouettes. As a graduate from the Fashion Design Program at Lethbridge College, Power established her self-titled contemporary line in 2008. Since then, she has featured her collection at Western Canada Fashion Week and Toronto Fashion Week. Her work has been shown in Elle, Flare and FASHION and who wouldn’t want to talk about this edgy designer whose trade mark material has been, my personal favourite, LEATHER! After just finishing up the final touches for her Spring/Summer collection, Caitlin sat down with me to talk about everything – well – Caitlin Power!
Mijana: The Caitlin Power line is known for its architectural influences. What were your first influences when you started designing?
Caitlin: I’ve always been inspired by architecture, but when I started design, it was mainly men’s tailoring.
The SS13 collection was inspired by light. How it reacts with different objects, absorbed by some and reflected by others. There’s also certain power that comes from light, and finding a perfect balance between light and dark.
The FW13 collection that I’m working on now is inspired by my recent trip to London and Paris. One building in particular caught my eye, The Louvre and the Pyramid. I was drawn to the mix of ancient and modern architecture acting as one.
M: You just finished up Toronto’s World Mastercard Fashion Week in October – what do you enjoy most of doing fashion shows?
C: I love the feeling of accomplishment after a big show like World Mastercard Fashion Week. To know all the handwork has paid off and to showcase my designs to a variety of people.
M: Calgary was your home up until last year when you moved to Toronto, what’s your take on Toronto compared to Calgary?
C: Toronto is a much larger and older city than Calgary. Calgary has new money and is constantly growing. Both cities have their differences and I love them both for their inspiration, “home away from home” feel and for my family, friends and supporters in both.
M: The winter season is all about layering and staying warm. It’s nice to have some edge in one’s wardrobe. What pieces from the Fall/Winter ’12 collection would you recommend for the contemporary young woman?
C: The perfect Fall/Winter look from the CAITLIN POWER collection would be the Grey and Black Wool Jacket, Black Panelled Sheer Blouse, and our Black Skinny Pants.
M: What future goals do you have for the Caitlin Power collection?
C: We’re targeting our consumer by hosting a Flash-Sale with Jewellery Designer, Ana Bogdanovic from M.W.L. The sale is on Saturday December 15th from 11-7pm at 639 Queen St. West (Burroughs Building). After this we plan to do a trade show in NYC to reach the United States market, and continue to show in Canada.
(Photos courtesy of Caitlin Power Fall/Winter 2012 Collection)
By: Mijana Veljkovic, Toronto
You should follow me on Twitter @mijanaveljkovic.
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