Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Clothing Label

Designer Allison Smith is as easygoing and relaxed as the clothing she creates. Allison Wonderland Clothing was launched in 1998 and can be found today at locations all across Canada and the United States. She has a knack for understanding what her loyal clients want and need in any given season - an uncanny finger on the fashion pulse that has held her in good stead through the recent economic slowdown.

A born and bred Vancouverite, Smith studied fashion design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Although she can appear quiet and reserved, there is a definite whimsical side to be found - just read the bio on her webite. "[My] design inspiration can be summed up simply by how much food and drink you can consume with having your belly pop out...a girl has to live...a girl wants to look good." Don't let the statement fool you. Each collection has a well thought out game plan. "I usually do 15 pieces. What I think of is all places you need clothes for in your life - work, party, heavier coat, lighter weight coat, blazer, skirt, out to dinner, the weekend - and I try to make sure I have something for each one, something for every occasion." Inspiration also comes from the fabric. Often an unusual find will set the tone and palette for that season's collection but she notes, "It's hard to find decent fabric that inspires me, is in my price point and can be reordered."

With the economy in a downturn, Smith chose to focus on classic and versatile pieces for fall. Inspiration began at a Los Angeles trade show where she stumbled upon 1970's vintage fabric. It was a risk because of the inability to reorder, but the fabric was so unusual she threw caution to the wind. She purchased three including a wild three-in-one print with a broad stripe, a narrow stripe and a plaid all running lengthwise. One of the fabrics was used as trim on garments. Another she cut apart and rearranged to offer a unique skirt and dress. To balance the wilder prints she added a subdued plaid and check and a muted tone-on-tone polka dot. The palette includes cream, grey, blue, purple and black. Most garments have some form of soft pleating or gathers near the bust to assure they are complimentary to a wider range of body types. Although the garments hang softly away from the body they curve in all the right places for a look that is both comfortable and yet feminine. All are beautifully detailed from pockets, to trim, to closures. Spring 2010 is not due in stores for a few months, but has that same ease of fit and beautiful detailing found in her fall collection. A few pieces to watch for are the rain resistant Jericho Parka (perfect for yachting or walking your dog on the beach) and the blue/grey knit dress with a v-neck on one side and a softly gathered scoop on the other. What makes it so special - it's reversible!

Allison Smith's advice based on her 11 years in business is very practical. "You can never think you've finally got it made because if you do, you will be surprised! Your best store closes, one you counted on changes direction and doesn't order from you or the world falls into a financial meltdown. You always have to be moving forward and trying to reach new people." For more information visit the website at www.allisonwonderland.ca. To read a past article on this talented designer go to http://www.vancouverfashionezine.com/magazineissue07/fashiondesigner01.html.