MASS EX COUNTDOWN: CHELSEA CLARIDGE

WHAT IS YOUR COLLECTION CALLED: c.helsea c.laridge
SEASON: Spring/Summer 2009
INFLUENCES: For my collection I was influenced by looking through old family photo albums of the 1940's and 70's.
FABRICS: I used all natural fabrics, such as silks and cottons, which are great for the summer.
FAVOURITE PIECE: My favourite piece from the collection has to be the navy blue tulip skirt. The overall silhouette is dramatic, yet still very wearable.
WHO DO YOU DESIGN FOR: I design for young, urban women who want to look girly yet sexy, feminine yet masculine, quirky yet professional and so on.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: I love taking contrasting elements and mixing them together. I'm attracted to unusual combinations of fabrics and colors, which ordinarily wouldn't be paired together.
FAVORITE PEICE IN MY CLOSET: My hat collection
CAN FASHION BE POLITICAL: Yes, I think fashion can be political. Fashion is definitely influenced by what is going on in the world, and that includes politics.
WHAT HAS FOUR YEARS AT RYERSON TAUGHT YOU: Four years at Ryerson has taught me that you really have to love what you're doing, otherwise all the hours of hard work, and the constant stress will catch up with you.
FAVORITE CANADIAN DESIGNER: Jeremy Laing
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS: Successfully running my own clothing company.
WHAT DOES CANADIAN DESIGN MEAN TO YOU: Canadian design is new, and up and coming.