Vancouver designer Cheri Milaney surprised the audience at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week this month when she picked real women instead of regular models to walk in her Fall/Winter 2009 show. She is celebrating a 10-year anniversary of her line this year, but has been sketching outfits since early age. It is this fashion experience and her travels around the world, and Italy in particular, that made her realize that clothes should be a reflection of women who wear them and not the other way around, and women come in all shapes and sizes.
Being able to bring out that something special in each woman is what Cheri’s designs are about. She also favors a certain color in her Fall/Winter 2009 collection. We asked the designer about this and other things fashion in our interview.
You are celebrating 10 years in fashion this year. How did you get started?
I was encouraged to study fashion design by my high school art and drama teachers, as well as my mother who recognized my talent and passion at the age of 6. After going to fashion school, I worked in many different facets of the industry including retail sales management, visual merchandising and display, fashion editorial and art direction.
I started on a small scale working from sketches and fabric swatches, going from store to store.
What advice would you give designers that are just starting out?
Do your research on who your target market is and listen to what these consumers tell you. Be flexible enough to adapt your product and business while staying true to your own vision. Most important, you must have focus, passion and dedication.
Are you a big traveler? Is there a place that has more influence on your work?
Yes, I travel quite regularly and love it. I love to experience how fashion influences different cultures. I travel regularly to Italy to source fabrics for each collection. Italy probably has the most influence on my work as I travel there so often.
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I’m very inspired by many aspects of the Italian culture such as their food, wine, architecture and history. This has a big influence on my design concepts. I’m also inspired by the real woman I design for on a regular basis. I love to see them get excited and feel confident from the inside out when they wear my designs.
How did you come up with the idea of using real women instead of regular models in your Fall 2009 show?
I decided to use real women for the show because these are the women I design for every day and are buying my clothing. I also believe that the status quo of the perception of beauty needs to be challenged. It is not about the size you are but about who you are as a person and the confidence you project from the inside out.
Do you have any advice to women who want to look fashionable yet do not look like a Barbie?
I recommend focusing on your best features and dressing to best accentuate them. Most importantly, be confident in what you wear. Wear things that make you feel confident and good about yourself. I always encourage women to try something a little different such as wearing a brighter color or different texture that enhances their features.
Please tell us a little about the “Look Good, Feel Better” program and why you are partnering with it.
This program is the charitable foundation of the Canadian Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association. Their vision is in line with mine in helping women (in their case women recovering from cancer) regain their self confidence and feel good about themselves. We will be donating a portion of our sales to this cause.
The latest collection is called Viola and the show featured a viola player and many shades of violet in the collection. Why are you drawn to the color purple?
This is a huge color for Fall 2009. When I was working with one of my mills in Italy I was very inspired by how well the colors and textures work together. It is a beautiful color for many skin tones.
Speaking of the shades of purple, you are also about to launch a new fragrance “Ametista”. Tell us a little about it.
This is one of 4 in a collection of fragrances we are launching. They are all being made in Italy. I’m very excited about the whole concept behind the fragrances. Ametista means Amethyst in English and the bold color purple represents the bold and spicy scent of this fragrance.
Are there certain fabrics and patterns that excite you more than others in general?
No, I love working with many different types of fabrics. I love to challenge myself to articulate how different fabrics and textures will translate on the body.
Are there any music or movie stars you would like to see wearing your collection pieces?
Oprah Winfrey. I have always been a big fan as I think Oprah is the epitome of what a real woman is. I also think she has contributed to society in a very positive way and has changed millions of people’s lives.
Do you have a favorite outfit? What would you wear on an average Monday?
One of my favorite pieces is a cotton poplin blouse with wide sash from my Fall 2009 collection. I love this piece because it is very comfortable, appropriate for many occasions and very fashion forward.
Are there any trends that you are particularly fond of this Spring and upcoming Fall?
For Spring I like the high waist pant with a slight boot cut. I think this is a flattering look on and it works well with the cropped jackets. For Fall I really like the pleating and gather details for jackets. I also like the pant with a tie bottom. This is a very big look. If it’s done right it’s a great look. I think if you combine high fashion looks that are flattering and comfortable this a formula for success.
The jewelry in your collection looks like one of a kind. Do you manufacture or find these pieces?
I import these pieces from Italy. They are chosen to coordinate with buttons and trims on my designs.
Where can our readers buy your designs?
In specialty boutiques across Canada.
What’s next for you?
We will be traveling to Italy shortly to start sourcing fabrics and design our Spring 2010 collection.
You can read more about Cheri Milaney on her website www.cherimilaney.com
Photos by: John Ortner and Arline Malakian.
