Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine

For any serious fashionista, Project Runway Canada is a must-watch program. 3 of the 10 finalists in season 2 were from B.C. In true West Coast style these 3 designers were utterly unique in their outlook, experience and vision. For each of them, the show was looked upon as a chance to showcase who they were as artists and promote their brand. What follows is the briefest look at these amazing designers. Each had to send in a video, then interview and finally show look books and their current work. Surprisingly, all said they really didn't notice the cameras. Have a read and then be sure to check out their latest collections. They have come back focused, inspired and ready to take the world by storm.

Christie Clayton -

Christie Clayton was taught to sew by her mother at the tender age of of 8 and would sneak fabric to try creating her own unique designs. For a career she first headed into forestry and then health care, but finally realized at 25 that she needed a more creative direction and entered the Fashion Arts program at Vancouver Community College. She found she had a knack for design but had to work hard on draping skills. After a few internships she launched her own collection, "Carny Love", in 2007.

"All my friend told me I should be on the show because I make for good TV....I was working on my Fall 2009 collection when I got the phone call and couldn't believe it. I started crying. This was the most amazing thing ever". What Clayton loved the most was making friends and all the laughter in the drafting room. "I even made a song called Invisible Zipper and had my own radio show". The hardest parts were making things to please people you would never sew for and being eliminated. When asked how she felt watching herself on TV her response was, "It is a such a whimsical and mystical feeling...a little surreal."

Since the show her Carny Love collection has received a lot of notice with new accounts and increasing sales. Clayton is also creating the dress for Miss Teen BC to wear in the Miss Teen Canada Pageant. "I want to succeed because I feel there's a responsibility for me as a person to leave a legacy - that's how we evolve." Her S/S 2009 collection is available locally at Riot, Tutta Mia, Planet Claire and Forsya Boutique and on-line at www.carnylove.com

Genevieve Graham-

As a teenager, Genevieve Graham had a very strong sense of personal style. She was always cutting up her clothes and reworking them. A few years after high school there came the infamous "What now?" question. She picked up a sewing machine and started playing around with fabric and that was it. With only 2 pieces in hand she headed off to Helen Lefeaux and was not only accepted, but received a scholarship. For 9 years she has been working as a designer including 7 seasons with the Obakki label.

Graham chose to apply for Project Runway to help relaunch her label. "I thought it would be a perfect way to get my name and brand out there." On the show Graham's strong draping work stood out and it is a signature look in her very sculptural collection. "Very early into school it was clear I had a knack for draping...I didn't need to be taught how to do it - I just did it." For her the best part of the experience was the learning process and confirming how important professional integrity is to her brand. The hardest was the limited time allowed as she is a meticulous worker by nature. As to how it feels to watch herself on TV, the same word "surreal" arises.

While still unsure what the long term effects of appearing on the show will be, she has found the celebrity treatment an interesting experience. "Being on the show has definitely put my name out there. The trick is to keep that momentum going." Graham's line is available locally at One of a Few in Gastown. For more information and to see some of her current work check out her website at genevievegraham.wordpress.com.

Kim Cathers

Kim Cathers began sewing at an early age and by 13 was altering jeans during her "serious hippie" faze. The first company she launched was called restyle - vintage clothes that were altered to have a modern and unique fit. Completely self-taught, she decided to attend Blanche Macdonald to gain technical pattern making skills and instruction on the proper way to construct clothing. Upon graduation she opened a store in Gastown, discollection, which sold her own and other local designer's collections, jewellery, music and vintage clothing. Since the store closed in 2007, the focus has turned to developing her current clothing brand, kdon.

The idea to apply for Project Runway came when a previous teacher mentioned the show was looking for designers. For Cathers the best part of being on the show was "learning from all the other talented designers there and learning the extent of my skills as a designer. I realized I knew more than I had given myself credit for." Hardest was the lack of sleep, the constant pressure and the limited time to complete assignments. When watching the show she feels some things were taken out of context. "Putting yourself in that environment is risky as Canada only gets to see one side of you, but in the end my feelings are positive and I think the show was an amazing experience.

Since the show Cathers has received a lot of great feedback and interest in her designs. "I think that life is all about being torn down and building back up again. What you have in the end will be stronger than what you had before." You will find the current kdon collection at www.meeseclothing.com and Portobello West. Also check out her website at www.kimcathers.com