Tuesday, August 13, 2013

CAITLIN POWER: Exclusive Interview

By Eva Fydrych

Conquering New York

CAITLIN POWER Fall/Winter 2013 campaign (Photo by Michael Morrison)


TORONTO - If you haven't heard about CAITLIN POWER yet, it is high time to get familiar with her carefully designed and tailored pieces, sharp silhouettes, and architectural details. Born and raised in Calgary, Caitlin discovered her passion for design at a young age, and later went on to study Fashion Design at Lethbridge College. She established her ready-to-wear label in 2008.

CAITLIN POWER debuted her Fall/Winter 2013 collection at World MasterCard Fashion Week in March. The show received positive feedback and was met with overhelming praise for designer's concept of "New Romanticism". Selected pieces from the collection are now available in New York.

"This collection began with my trip to Paris. The architecture and molding of the modern and traditional structures such as Le Louvre were so inspiring," said the designer.

In an exclusive interview for Fashion Studio Magazine, Caitlin talks about her inspiration, design process, and everything else involved in running her own fashion label.


CAITLIN POWER
Occupation: Fashion Designer
City: Toronto, ON

Caitlin Power (Photo courtesy of the designer)


FASHION STUDIO: Where did you get inspiration for your own clothing line? Who is it for?

CAITLIN: I design for the modern day career woman. She's sophisticated, fashion forward and bold yet practical. My inspiration stems from different mediums. Tailoring and leather details are signature CAITLIN POWER elements. I'm inspired by architecture -  Power Woman pieces and strong building structures have always been a great reference for me. Along with architecture, each season I find myself inspired by something new; This fall collection referenced by trip to Paris and my concept of New Romanticism.

FASHION STUDIO: What differs your products from what is currently available on the market?

CAITLIN: CAITLIN POWER has that edge that many other brands don't. We've perfected the classic silhouettes, and use fabrics, textures, and fine detailing to make it a stand out piece. CAITLIN POWER is clothing with a presence.


CAITLIN POWER Spring/Summer 2013 (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images for IMG)


FASHION STUDIO: How did you initially become involved in the fashion industry?

CAITLIN: I've been sewing for as long as I can remember. I grew up hand sewing and playing with my moms sewing machine. After high school, I went to Lethbridge College for Fashion Design and started my line immediately after.

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe your design process?

CAITLIN: My design process has to start from a new inspiration to disconnect me from my last collection and finding fabrics that inspire me. It's a long process to create the final collection you see on the runway.

FASHION STUDIO: What is the secret to your success?

CAITLIN: You have to have heart. It is not easy and is definitely an emotional rollercoaster at times. You have to have the heart and drive to keep going. Also, I have the most supportive mother. If she didn't believe in me and my success I wouldn't be here. She's my rock.


CAITLIN POWER Fall/Winter 2013 (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images for IMG)


FASHION STUDIO: Do you have any advice for other people trying to start their own fashion brand?

CAITLIN: Intern, intern, intern! Learn as much as you possibly can about the industry until you dive in. There is so much more involved than I ever thought going into it. Also, know who your target market is. You can't develop a strong brand until you know exactly what and how you are targeting it.

FASHION STUDIO: What is the hardest aspect of running your own business? 

CAITLIN: Everything about running a business is hard work, I don't know if I can pick one thing.

FASHION STUDIO: Which fashion designer do you admire? And why?

CAITLIN: I try not to follow other designers but I do admire Tom Ford. He has a clear vision and I'm always impressed with his collections.

FASHION STUDIO: What projects are you currently working on?

CAITLIN: I am currently planning our show for World MasterCard Fashion Week in October, it will be our largest show yet. There are always projects we are working on. Whether it be photo shoots, campaigns, launches or planning for next season. 


CAITLIN POWER Fall/Winter 2013 (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images for IMG)


FASHION STUDIO: Could you reveal a little bit about your future collections?

CAITLIN: The future collection will be more of a lifestyle collection, as we are growing, and was inspired by my recent trip to St. Martin in the French Caribbean.

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe fashion scene in Toronto?

CAITLIN: The fashion scene in Toronto is growing. We have a lot of great talent in this city and I hope to see continued support in the future.

FASHION STUDIO: Thank you for sharing your thoughts!


CAITLIN POWER Fall/Winter 2013 (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images for IMG)


DID YOU KNOW?

The CAITLIN POWER Fall/Winter 2013 collection will be available in both the United Stated (EVA Boutique, NYC) and Canada (Leo Boutique, Calgary and V Boutique, Toronto). 


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