Interview with a Designer:
Plastik Wrap
~ by Daniel Wilson
"Oh that sounds kinky."
" Won't that be kinda sweaty?"
" See through?"
When I told my friends I was working on a story
and photo shoot for Plastik Wrap, many of them
misunderstood. Plastik Wrap, a line of cyber-industrial fashions,
does have a few things in common with Saran Wrap: all are slick,
form-fitting, and can be subversively sexy.
Plastik Wrap was started six years ago by Adriana
Fulop and Ryan Webber. The line is designed with a strong street
wear focus that caters to the cyber goth community. Adriana and
Ryan suited this scenes' desire for dark clothing with a sense of
theatricality.
Fast-forward to now and Plastik Wrap is still
going strong. As a matter of fact, It has grown up a bit.
"Our style is more sophisticated now,"
says Adriana, "It's more finished, tailored, but maybe a bit
darker."
Plastik Wrap now possesses the versatility that
makes a brand succeed. While, like most other design labels, wearing
head-to-toe Plastik Wrap may not be for all. However, individual
pieces can work for anyone from office workers to bike couriers
as Adriana and Ryan work to integrate separate pieces into customer's
varied wardrobes.
Both mens and womens wear is Canadian-made using
high-tech fabrics sometimes mixed with pvc or cotton blends with
strong attention to construction and detailing. Impressive jackets
and dresses with names like 'Invader, Wicked and Aristocrat' are
embellished with rivets, zippers and clips, making them stand-alone
pieces.
While the look has been refined, the Plastik Wrap
market has grown greatly since its creation. On top of significant
online sales (www.plastikwrap.com) the line is carried in boutiques
in the UK, Italy, Germany, Sweden, The US, and Canada. Also, this
winter marks the opening of the new showroom/boutique at 2235 Dundas
Street West (416.778. 4967).
"The store is many things," says Ryan,
"It's not only our boutique, but also our workspace and a gallery
venue to show local talent."
The store also has a large video projection screen
which displays clips from Plastik Wrap runway shows and various
video art pieces (movie screening nights are in the plans for the
future).
While unfailingly modest, it's clear Adriana and
Ryan have big plans for Plastik Wrap and they are a clear example
of why Toronto is said to have some of the hottest design talent
in the world.
Where to buy:
In Toronto:
Plastik Wrap - 2235 Dundas Street West
Re-covered vintage chairs:
Kiran Thind for Cherry Bomb Vintage
kiran@cherrybombvintage.ca
All clothing by Plastik Wrap
Styling Daniel Wilson
daniel@torontostreetfashion.com
Makeup and hair Sara Delaney
Models Erin Berg, Mark Pariselli, Daniel Wilson.
Shoes models own
