Adrian Wu didn’t always know he was going to be a fashion designer. If he wasn’t a designer, he might be something along the lines of a sex therapist. It is this fascination with sex that inspires his collections. Wu comments on sex as a social taboo and how he wishes to mix it into his creations. Many of his designs test the theories and limitations of psychology and sociology. He focuses on pushing the definitions of “masculinity” and “femininity” by creating “shapeless” androgynous designs that become “genderless”. His F/W 2011 collection that will be showcased at OFW was inspired by Freud and his discussion on phallic objects. Wu describes his personal style as “funky” and “flamboyant” and says that he would never design something that he would not wear himself. To Wu, fashion is not only a form of art, but a form of entertainment used to convey emotions and meaning.

Wu seemed bothered by a few of my questions. When asked how it feels to be so successful at such a young age, he rebuked this with a question on what it means to be “successful”. He believes that success is being recognized through history; with this definition, he also believes that one should be humble and realistic about “success”, so he does not consider himself successful. He was also unsure of how being a Canadian designer makes him feel- or even what that means. Despite this uncertainty, he did surely state that he is proud to be Canadian. He also struggles with stigmas attached to being a Chinese designer where he is often compared to other Asian designers such as Jason Wu and Alexander Wang. Wu does not believe that there is such thing as “original design” since everything now is an innovation. Wu claims that it takes him no more than 30 seconds to get ready in the morning where he throws on whatever he can find. After all, it’s not about what you’re wearing, it’s about how it is worn. With this statement, he notes one accessory that is necessary to have- confidence.

Photographs by Isabel Tang

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Along with her friend, Anastasiya Kuyevda, Emily Woudenberg aims to bring women fashion with a feminine yet refined edge. This duo would describe their personal style as different from one another. Woudenberg fairs more to the “wacky” styles; whereas, Kuyevda prefers a more feminine attire. It’s actually in these differences that they’re able to come together to give their fashion the best of both worlds. Another difference between the two is that Kuyevda will wear items she designs, but Woudenberg says she never does. Their designs can be described as “eclectic”, holding room for both sophistication and expression.

Woudenberg strongly believes that fashion is art. As a graphic design student, she often hears people condemning fashion for being “the lowest form of art”; however, she believes it to be wearable art for the people. Fashion is about more than aesthetics- it can also be used as an outlet for political movements. She elaborates by talking about environmental statements where only eco-friendly materials are used. Neither believe that there is such thing as “original design”. They say that everything now is an innovation of something old and question rather “new” really exists anymore. Both say that it takes them about 5 minutes to get ready in the morning, usually not over concerning themselves with appearance and opting more for functionality and convenience.

Emily Woudenberg

Anastasiya Kuyevda

Yolande Deschenes always knew that she would be a designer. She recalls her childhood experiences of drawing dresses and designs with crayons. Today, instead of using crayons, she is using silk and lace to give women a balanced look of haute couture and everyday wearability. Her favourite designers include Valentino and anything else that appears “funky” where she can draw inspiration and turn these pieces into appropriate attire for everyday life. Coming into her third year as an OFW designer, Deschenes says that she’s proud of Canadian fashion and how it’s grown to strive to be an international force. Deschenes wishes to overcome the thought barrier that fashion is not art. She continues by saying how the National Gallery of Canada is the perfect place to hold OFW where the lines between fashion and art become blurred.

Photographs by Isabel Tang

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Vickie from Nu.I is not your average soccer mom. Inspired by her kids and for her kids, she strives to help the average woman balance fashion and functionality. It takes her about 10 minutes to get ready in the morning. This quick routine is necessary in order to dedicate the rest of her time to her children. She describes her collection as being empowering for the “superwoman of the world” that embodies femininity, vintage charm, and effortless seduction. She believes that fashion is psychological where looking good means feeling good and being yourself.. Brimming with her own bubbly confidence, Vickie tells of how she wants to be a role model for her children where they can see her happiness and loving personality, despite a busy schedule. With stores in Ontario and Quebec, she hopes to continue her vision by expanding into international markets in the future.

Here’s a sneak peak treat on a few of Nu.I’s fashions:

Photographs by Isabel Tang

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Sisters Victoria and Olivia front the Ottawa branch of Mafia Jewellery, which is also stationed out of Bangkok, Thailand. Victoria describes Mafia’s goal as having a little something for everyone. Mafia then, is surely on the right track with their great variety and unique selection. When asked what it’s like to be in business as sisters, the duo playfully joke about how like all siblings, they have their quarrels. However, a key point in their success is their bond and their eagerness to work and spend more time together.

Remember, their products will be available for you to buy at our show!

Photographs by Isabel Tang

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Inspired by vintage looks of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and the stylings of the TV show, Twin Peaks, Khala Morgan has brought those designs into today. She says that there’s no limit to being inspired, and that everything holds potential to be an inspiration. She says that she first got into fashion design because of her inability to find pieces that she really wanted in stores. Her collection pops of feminine beauty and classic vintage charm.

Photographs by Isabel Tang

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