Last time we took across the pond to bring you Carmakoma, but today our International Chic feature comes from right up yonder, Canada. If you didn't know, Canada has a growing plus size scene, so much so that I think a roadtrip is in order for me to visit. (Caribana, anyone?) Today's International Chic brand has not only recently launched her site, but she's also one of the featured designers showing for next week's Full Figured Fashion Week.
I got a chance to speak with Annika Reid, the force behind Candi Apple Couture - I love her line because it's the kind of collection that makes you feel oh so fly! Color, cut with a whole lot of couture you know I'm an instant fan! Enjoy!
What made you want to do fashion design, plus size fashion design in particular?
In 2007, I became a contestant of the 2007 Miss Canada Plus pageant. When asked what my talent would be for the show if chosen I said I would conduct a mini fashion show. It was far different than what my peers were going to do, but I have been sewing since the age of 5, and have been creating clothes for myself since the age of 8. Fashion has always been a huge part of my upbringing. My Grandmother, Mother & Aunt all were very talented seamstresses. Activities like sewing, pattern drafting, sketching & creating clothing was part of my childhood.So when I decided to conduct a mini fashion show at the Miss Canada Plus Show, it was more natural to me then singing, or dancing. I received such a positive response from the judges and audience that I decided to go into business for myself that night, and I have been creating for others ever since.
What inspires your creations?
Inspiration for my Designs comes from trips I have taken, or just a need of wanting to see something beautiful and feminine in my size.
What are the 3 fashion essentials every woman must have?
Every fashion forward fashionista must own is the classic black cocktail dress, one of which I will be debuting at Full figured fashion week this year in New York, a beautiful bright fun and playful maxi dress. And at least one to two pairs of great fitting jeans. Denim is an essential here in Canada and can be warn in almost every outing, depends on how it is accessorized and dressed.
What is the biggest mistake that a plus size woman makes when getting dressed?
One of the biggest mistakes a plus sized woman can make when getting dressed is not understanding her shape or not dressing to compliment her shape. There are no two curvy girls that are shaped alike so it's imperative that you dress to enhance your best features. For example if you have a fuller mid section then you may want to look at dresses with an empire waistline, with more focus on the bust.
What's your take on the plus size fashion industry and what mark do you intend to make on it?
The plus sized fashion industry has definantly come a long way over the past 20 years, there are visible efforts made by designers such as myself and retailers who are catering to the more fashion forward consumer. Hopefully this trend will continue and we can enter the haute couture world with respect from our other designing peers. Candi Apple Couture wants to enter the fashion world known as the designer that is not afraid to take chances. I want my pieces to be recognized as celebration items lined with specific details and couture inspirations accented to compliment each woman who owns a Candi Apple Couture original.
Tell me about your line, what's the vision and how do you intend for your clothes to make a woman feel?
I always liked to state my line consists of bright, bold colours edgy hem lengths and curve hugging fits designed and created for the woman who loves herself and doesn’t not want to fade in the background but wants to stand out in the crowd. I want my customers to reclaim their femininity when wearing a Candi Apple Couture item, not lose it!
What's one styling secret that you would be willing to share.
For my curvy fashionistas, I would say embrace bright bold colours this season and step into more flowy feminine forward fabrics, being playful with your wardrobe goes along way with regards to your personal style and how you want to be portrayed to others around you.
Any fashion "no-no's"?
Fashion is Art, I don’t really believe in no-no’s because fashion is all about creating art and using your body as the muse. My only advise to reader would be is to understand your body, and your shape and learn to dress to compliment and celebrate your body not hide it!
If you could share one fashion commandment what would it be?
One fashion Commandment “thou salt not wear it because everyone else is!!!” Like I tell my customers, Just because your girlfriend bought it does not mean it’s the best cut for you, and coming in to my studio for a custom fitting is what a recommend to give customers a first had tutorial on understanding their body and knowing what works for them.
What are the five things a fashionista should not be without?
Five top things a true fashionista should not be without: Shiny lip gloss, sexy black cocktail dress, metallic pumps, my jungle play scarf dress and a hot fitting pair of jeans paired with my London bell swing jacket!!
What words of advice would you give to the everyday, average plus size woman who is reluctant to "step out"?
My advice to and average plus sized woman reluctant to step out is the same advice I had to give myself, “just stop hiding” love yourself a little more each day, treat yourself to the finest and don’t ever at anytime apologize for your size!! Let this be the year you break out of your shell find trends that you enjoy and designers who acquire to your taste and get out there this year and get noticed!!
Anything else you would like to share?
Lot’s of exciting things happening and I am grateful to all of my customers, supporters who have been behind me since day one, I plan to continue this work of plus sized fashion and hopefully be globally recognized as the fearless fatshionista who is not afraid to take it there!!!
From what I've seen on Facebook, I love your line- where can everyone find Candi Apple Couture? To purchase or view?
I am glad to announce that my website is up and running and you can purchase my clothes at www.candiapplecouture.com also I will be apart of full figured fashion week happening june 25-27th and will be taking part in the Saturday night finale. My customers can log on to the website, email me, facebook, me and now even tweet me, you can always get in contact with me if you have a question regarding one of my pieces.
How would you describe the plus size fashion scene in Toronto or Canada in general?
The plus sized fashion scene is slowly emerging in Canada, we clearly are not on the level of the United States, in terms of versatility and options. That's why I felt there was such a huge need for Candi Apple Couture, because at the time it was rare you saw anything fashion forward or high end and if you did there wasn’t much variety to choose from. Hopefully with companies like mine in the next few years there will be a serious uproar in the Canadian Plus sized clothing market...the people want more!!!
Great words from a great woman... "just stop hiding". Yes, everyone let's stop hiding and start treating ourselves like the fab folks we are! I am EXCITED to see Candi Apple rip the runway at Full Figured Fashion Week, thanks Annika!
Which Candi Apple Couture design do you see yourself in?
~Luvin' My Curves....stamping my fashion passport!
2 comments:
It's great to see designers from other countries,I like her site her line looks really fun. What country is next, LMC?
I really love these post highlighting designers outside the US!!! Candi Apple Couture is HOT!!!!! Another designer to add to my list! Thanks LMC for keeping us informed!!!!!
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