Q&A: Brian Maristela

Born and raised in Sudsbury Ontario, Brian Maristela developed a rare retrospect for design. In his senior year at Fanshawe College, he was one of 5 students selected to showcase their Spring 2009 collection at L'oreal Fashion Week in Toronto. His collection reminds me of Yigal Azrouel's Fall 2008. Azrouel is known for his talent to toy with contradictions, which every woman naturally embodies. Maristela has this same ability to translate contradiction from emotion to fabric while making a cohesive collection. His "Greco-Romani" line featured hand-dyed ombre, and braided leather tracing silk silhouettes.

I felt the urgency to contact Maristela on Facebook, and ask a few questions. Click Here to view his lookbook, and photo credits.

Darrah: Where did you learn how to sew?

Brian: I grew up in a household where my mother was always sewing or knitting. From there, I picked up basic skills like sewing a pillow case. Once I went to Fanshawe college I learned a lot more over three years in fashion design.

Darrah: What inspires you?

Brian: Inspiration comes from everything. Anything from an exquisite form of architecture to photographs of flowers can inspire me. It all comes with my mood. For example, you can look at something as simple as a lamp shade. The shape, color, and texture can help me work multiple elements into one garment.

Darrah: This is a tough industry. What keeps you going? What makes your designs stand out?

Brian: Drive. I also love what I do. I think my designs stand out because they're edgy yet sexy. My last collection paired unlikely fabrics -- leather with chiffon and silk charmeuses.

Darrah: How long did this collection take you to finish? Late nights in the sewing lab?

Brian: From conceptualization to completion, it took about four months. I definitely had late nights in the sewing lab. I would only go home to shower and change clothes. Weekends were no exception.

Darrah: I don't know if this is a personal question, but how did you fund your collection?

Brian: Funding for my collection came from the support of my parents. Without their support, I would probably be thousands of dollars in debt right now. I am very grateful.

Darrah: What fabrics did you use in "Greco-Romani?" You mentioned something about hand-dyed ombre, and I was curious about the process...

Brian: I mainly used silk chiffon, silk charmeuse, and lamb skin. The ombre is a gradation of color in the fabric. In my collection, the gradation went from an ice blue to an emerald green. The process of dying is a job in itself. You have to dip damp fabric one section at a time so it can set right. Then, you gradually dip more in while it's wet, and let the other end of the fabric blend the colors together until they meet in the middle.

Darrah: Name the best moment you've had in fashion.

Brian: To date, it would have to be showcasing my collection at L'oreal Fashion Week in Toronto.

Darrah: Why is this industry important?

Brian: Why is this industry important... hmm... that's tough. I would have to say it's because people are always in need of clothing. Whether it's apparel from Walmart or designer goods from D&G, people need something to wear, and someone out there is designing it.

Darrah: How do you define style?

Brian: Style is defined by the individual. It's a representation of who you are -- a spark.

Darrah: So what's the next step for Brian Maristela?

Brian: The next step is to work on my Spring 2010 collection, and get my name out there as much as possible.

That is exactly what I'd like to do! Brian Maristela. Check out his work, and keep an eye out for this up-and-coming designer!