Happy Holidays!!

To all of you, faithful Miss SLY! Readers.
Thank you for sticking around since Miss SLY!'s very first post back in April 2008.

Hope you are enjoying the Holidays Season as much as I am, and that Fashion Santa spoiled you! 2009 is looking rather promising and exciting. A new year filled with achievable dreams, refined goals and much Fun as always, which I hope to continue to share with all of you in the days to come.

On that note, don't wait around to find out what life has in store for you, instead, Go out there and create it, make it happen!

P.S: iI you can dream it, You can do it!
Be safe! xoxo.....Miss SLY!

Revealing the Designers-Project Runway II

Until the new season comes to Global, which is in about 5 weeks, more precisely on Tuesday, January 27th. 10.00 ET/PT. I will keep myself busy with a little insight on each one of the 14 contestants, every Friday, 3 at a time and by the same occasion, sharing with you what promises to be an exciting season II!

The fierce and fearless contestants come from all across the country. Think Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Hamilton, Barrie and Toronto... and there is no contestant from Ottawa, this Designers mix promises to be explosive and I can't wait to see what level of creativity, freedom, sense of style and risk-taking each one will bring to the Runway.

Until then, let's discover 3 of our 14 contestants - 11 more to go!
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Adejoke Taiwo, 24yrs - from Calgary, AB

Discovering Fashion at the age of 6 during a sewing class, Adejoke has since then studied in Costume Design at Red Deer College in Alberta and completed a degree from the Ryerson University School of Fashion in Toronto in 2008.

“My parents’ Nigerian background really influences my design sense. I find the fabrics inspiring and the silhouettes completely different from North American culture. It’s exciting.”

Can we expect dramatic pieces considering her background in costume design added to her african influence? I haven't dissected her yet but I find her rather centered, but will she let the pressure of the competition get to her? We shall see...

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Baylor Orlando, 37yrs - from Montreal, QC
After graduating from Fashion School, the Venezuela-born hottie (who kind of reminds me of Mario Lopez, don't you think) managed a successful bridal shop and designed evening gowns for prestigious Venezuelan beauty pageants in his home country. Now based in Montreal, he is a lead designer for a top handbag and accessories company.

Based on his comments : “Fashion should be used to make people beautiful, happy, comfortable and outrageous!” I sense a true desire of individuality and originality, a fun and live-in-the-moment type of personality, which is always good for TV but will it be good enough for the Runway?

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Brandon R.Dwyer, 22yrs - from Barrie, ON

I've seen him on Fashion Television about 5 months ago or so, featured as one of the rising star of Canadian Fashion. What had strucked me was how young he was and how perfect his clothes looked.

Newly graduated from Fanshawe College in Fashion Design, he was already working on a photoshoot with a renowned Photographer and Victoria Secret model - Andi Muise - to top it all of.

His clothes are exquisite, fierce and refine, and he has so much to offer that I can definitely see him being in the Final 3 (I know too fast, but I can't help it).

“Project Runway Canada is an amazing opportunity to get my face and clothing out there and become more of a household name. The mass public needs to know that I exist!” We already know you exist Brandon, we already know...^_^

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This 2nd season of PRC will be a show to watch...11 more contestants to discover. Rendez-Vous next Friday, December 26th!

Tahtaaaaaaaaah

Interview with Toronto Designer: Ashley Zaba

Fashion from A to Z...

First spotted at the Ottawa Fashion Week back in May 2008, where her collection made quite an impact, earning her a top 5 spot on the “Miss SLY! Best Collections List”, Toronto Based Designer Ashley Zaba once again Rocked the Fashion Capital with her Stylish & Edgy Clothing Designs at the Spring/Summer 09 OFW edition.

Growing up, the dedication of her role model and stay at home mother - who used to sew the family’s clothes and Halloween costumes, juggling 3 jobs at a time and returning back to school - taught her a great deal of love, dedication and persistence.

She naturally became accustomed to the idea of making her own clothes, understanding Fashion and appreciating beautiful things. Which is why she chose Fashion Design at the Fanshawe College in London (ON) where she gained extensive knowledge of pattern and textiles, added to her experience in apparel construction. And now when designing, she thinks of what she would like to wear herself as a starting point.

Her inspiration starts with an idea, from watching movies, travelling, fabrics... she writes down the story they tell and sketches whenever inspired. Sometimes moving back home (Barrie- ON) does the trick too.

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I've had the chance to talk with her prior to seeing her Spring Collection at the Ottawa Fashion week second edition. We talked about how it all started for her, where things stand now and where she's heading next in a candid interview.

She is focused and I love it...

Miss SLY!: First of all thank you for granting me an interview, considering your hectic schedule and talking about that, how busy has it been lately?
Ashley Zaba: It’s been rather crazy, especially when I have to deal with different deadlines all at the same time. One of them was the Photo shoot for the SS/09 collection, which went really well, thankfully.

M.S: So SS/09 is already completed and ready to go, let’s talk about it, how did you come up with the concept for your collection?
A.Z: I love old classic movies and as I was watching Roman Holliday, I got inspired by the way they travel in the movie – in Motorbikes and also the way they dress.
So I went from there and automatically thought of making something comfortable, from swim wear to high waist pieces.

M.S: How long did it take you to complete the full collection?
A.Z: I worked on it alone over a period of 4 months, I completed 12 full outfits

M.S: That’s very impressive, and which piece of the 12 should we watch out for?
A.Z: Definitely look for the black crocodile leather jacket, it has very nice details on it and can complement any look.

M.S: You really love Jackets I see...
A.Z: yes I do, it’s kind of my signature thing.

M.S: It says a lot about your style, and do you have a favourite fabric you prefer to work with?
A.Z: Yes, I love Leather – it works great for my jackets. It’s a fabric that is very easy to work with – cutting the pieces is a long process, but the finish products are always great.

M.S: So you are a leather girl?
A.Z: I definitely prefer Leather, spandex or cotton but I am not a big fan of silk and satin.

M.S: Let’s talk about the Canadian Fashion Industry, what do you think of it?
A.Z: I find the industry to be very limited in terms of Fashion. Arts are not embraced and encouraged as much as they should in comparison to other countries, so I am looking into selling my collection in the States and other countries.

M.S: Selling abroad…
A.Z: Yes. I am actually considering moving to Chicago, I’ve been there a couple of times and just love the atmosphere. It’s full of people, which is very inspiring and even if the Fashion scene is not as popular as in New-York, it’s definitely interesting. Plus there are plenty of great opportunities there. It’s a long process but I am preparing for it.

M.S: So Canada’s Fashion scene may soon lose yet another rising star?
A.Z: I would say so.

M.S: Moving to Chicago, that's a rather serious decision, what does your family think of that?
A.Z: My mum is my inspiration, she gives me the drive and the willingness to just take off and go, follow my dreams, plus it’s only 9hours away so it shouldn’t be that bad.

M.S: All the best to you with the move, at least I am glad Ottawa will get to see you at the 2nd Edition of the Ottawa Fashion Week...

A.Z: For sure, I have received my invitation and I am preparing for it now.

M.S: And of all shows, what made you decide to attend OFW?

A.Z: I decide to participate in a show based on the type of organization, people or charities that are in charge.

M.S: How did you like your 1st time at the OFW?
A.Z: The May Edition was my first live Runway experience besides my previous college shows, and it taught me a lot, I’ve learnt to be more open to opportunities as they arise.

M.S: I'm sure you will sort it all out, and what music genre will you pick for your show?
A.Z: The music that I will pick for my show largely depends on what the mood or idea of the collection is about, for this season it will be classic jazz with a dance twist.

M.S: Now about style, what do you consider to be a perfect AZ signature look and how can anyone achieve it?
A.Z: The leather jacket is THE main element, besides that, shop for style and personality instead of trends, it goes a long way. Just go with the flow, there are no true Fashion don’ts, own your outfits and be yourself.

M.S: If you had to pick one trend thought, what would it be?
A.Z: My favourite trend, now turned into obsession has to be: Skinny jeans, I love the tightness and comfort; it also exudes confidence, in my opinion.

M.S: Cool, so Ashley now that Spring/Summer '09 collection is ready to go, what’s next for you?
A.Z: I am taking a break until the Fall/Winter 09 concept.

M.S: Before I let you go Ashley, is there any advice you would like to share with our readers?
A.Z: Don’t give up and push yourself.

Thank you for your time Ashley and see you soon.


For more information on Ashley Zaba and her cool designs, please check out her new Blog: http://www.ashleyzabablog.com/

Project Runway Canada - Season II

Remember the Eccentric style of Evan Biddell, the Dramatic pieces of Lucian Matis or the Romantic and feminine garments from Carlie Wong?
They brought their Fashion Magic to Project Runway Canada, season one and now that they are established Designers and Canadian Fashion household names, the time feels right to welcome Project Runway Canada, Season 2!

Beginning Tuesday, January 27 – 10pm ET/PT Project Runway Canada, primetime’s most fashionable reality series, returns with heart wrenching, edge-of-your seat excitement you'll love.

"From A-list celebrity guest judges to the intense competition amongst the passionate designers – you will not be disappointed."

Style icon and international supermodel, Iman, returns as Host and leads a panel of expert industry insiders who will judge the talent and skills of 14 promising new designers from across the country.

Once again, respected Canadian fashion designer Brian Bailey will act as mentor to the designers and Shawn Hewson, Creative Director of Bustle Clothing will join as Resident Judge.

Be prepared as the ULTIMATE FASHION FACEOFF RETURNS TO PRIMETIME

I cannot wait to see what the new 14 Designers will bring to the table, I want ruffles, out-there designs, colours, unusual shapes....FASHION Forward!!!!