#WMCFW | World MasterCard Fashion Week, Day 2

I travelled into the future… into Spring 2014, that is. Strut. Pose. Turn. Strut. After 7 hours of that mantra, I not only knew a little more about fashion-to-be, but also on how to steal myself a really good seat closer to all the action.

However, the highlight of my afternoon was having the pleasure of interviewing the young, talented and ever-so-sweet Canadian designer, Travis Taddeo. Here’s what he had to say…

Heidi Filici: When did you realize fashion was your passion?
Travis Taddeo: As soon as I found out I couldn’t sing.

HF: That’s right. I read somewhere that growing up you wanted to be a rockstar. Do you think your designs sort of reflect that vibe?
TT: Of course! I mean, I always had a sense of adventure growing up. So I’ve always wanted to push boundaries, make a statement… have fun. That’s what it’s all about.

HF: What influences you the most? People, places, eras?
TT: You know, fashion for me… it’s a feeling; it’s a mood. So it’s about expressing yourself through emotion and through imagination. Really, inspiration is everywhere. What you choose to do with it is really up inside your head.

HF: So tell me about your new collection. Why the sandals?
TT: I had the amazing opportunity to work with ALDO this season. So, we designed the shoes together. They made them come to life in every colour I wanted, which is really cool. ALDO has been there since day one and they’re just helping me create the final look.

HF: Is there a particular garment from your collection this season that you just love above all the others?
TT: They’re all my babies. I want them all. I’m not even kidding you. I love them all.

HF: Is there any material that you haven’t worked with yet that you’d like to work with in the future?
TT: That’s a really good question. Umm… Ah, yeah! We were thinking of maybe going into a bit of organza next season. We hear it’s pretty difficult and we’re a little bit scared, but maybe we’ll try it.

HF: Is there a specific place in the world that you’d love to showcase your designs?
TT: Paris.

HF: If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be and why?
TT: My mom, ‘cause she’s amazing.

HF: What’s your advice to young aspiring designers?
TT: Intern. Intern at a company that you like. Just get there. Doesn’t matter, you don’t have to get paid. Just go somewhere you like and don’t take no for an answer. Go intern!

It took Tatsuaki, Laura Siegel, Travis Taddeo, Melissa Nepton and Sid Neigum for me to come to the conclusion that this spring will consist of a lot of shades (whites, blacks and greys), as opposed to colours. However, there were some bright and dark pops that graced the runway (moreso than the pastels we’ve come to expect). Good news for all us seasonal over-eaters: the shapes were oftentimes loose-fitting. The garments were a combination of flowy (mostly dresses and pants) and structured (mostly tops and skirts). The fabrics ranged from light cottons to heavier linens. There was also a wide use of silks and sheer materials.

The most outrageous prints came from the Siegel collection, with her ample line of tie-dye creations. She also concocted a nice mixture of linens, cottons and leather.

The Tatsuaki collection was the most conservative with a reflection on the 40s era – very feminine, rounded collared dresses complete with floral prints and lace.

Nepton combined a lot of heavy textured fabrics with sheer ones. She played with cubic designs and overall subtle prints.

Taddeo stayed true to his edgy, yet understated reputation with his repertoire of comfy, everyday gear.

Finally, Neigum introduced his line of minimalist silk dresses, with the only intricacies displayed being the tribal-style cut-outs running down the front of a few.

The future of fashion is looking good! Take it from someone who’s been there…

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