[Un]Discovers: Jessica Mary Clayton

One of the biggest fashion events in Toronto after LG Fashion week is FAT - Toronto Alternative Art and Fashion Week - which started today. We are lucky enough to attend and find some talented artists from the site, Jessica Mary Clayton is one of them.  We are honoured to have her as our feature artist of the week; below is the interview with her.  But before the interview, here is a short background of her.  She was born in England, raised in Northern Alberta, finished part of her studies in Finland and Netherlands. Currently, she is in Toronto, having designs of her own in the fashion world after two internships in NYC with Jeremy Laing and Erin Fetherston. Below is what she has to say about fashion and design.

What made you study fashion in the beginning?
I had just finished a degree in Communications studies at the University of Calgary and I was really disillusioned with the prospect of a career and future in this field. I didn't immediately decide to study fashion. I actually moved to Toronto more as a lifestyle change. My interest in fashion design just kind of gradually showed itself. It started with a sewing machine, print making courses and then night school at Ryerson. I finally ended up in the full time Fashion Design Program at Ryerson two years later.

What moved you to Toronto for your fashion design degree?
I didn't move here for the degree but it was a pleasure to be able to take an actual degree program in Fashion Design. So many schools just offer certificate programs in this field. I think its important to take the whole round of classes that complement the actual skills of pattern drafting and sewing. I don't know if I'd be in the same place if I hadn't taken the art, art history, business and entrepreneurship classes that my program required.

What is/are your all time inspiration(s)?
Right now --> Viktor and Rolf, stylist Catherine Baba, Karen Elson, Christopher Kane, Gareth Pugh, Marchesa Casati, Tommy Ton's Blog Jak & Jil …..

I learned from your website that your next collection is inspired from mixed of fashion icons from different eras, how did that inspiration come to you? And why these particular icons?
I think Catherine Baba's personal style is completely outrageous and I love it. She looks like she belongs in a different era and yet is completely timely. And she rides a bike around Paris in designer heels.

I've been fascinated with Marchesa Casati since I saw her portrait at the AGO. I'm a bit obsessed with women who choose to dye their hair red. I know my own reasons for doing it and I like imagine Casati has similar reasons for doing so. I think she wanted to be completely unforgettable and to always be noticed. She was vastly eccentric and not to mention a style icon at the time (1920s/30s).

Joan of Arc was the jumping off point for me. I was exploring the lights and darks in my fabric choices. It made me think of Joan as being thought of in the dichotomy of a Heretic and a Saint. She was both hard and soft. People perceived her as both Holy and Evil. She was light and dark.

Since you've spent time in many other cities, what do you think about fashion in these cities? What do Toronto need/have in the fashion world compare to these cities?
Torontonians need to stop looking for validation from others when making their fashion decisions. I find that too often if its not sold at an international chain store or has a brand name label on it, people won't buy it. If they don't know anything about the brand they are cautious about it. It would be amazing if Canadian designers didn't have to make it somewhere else before being taken seriously in their own city. But that being said I think that shows like FAT are widening the awareness of local fashion and that's amazing to be a part of.

Once again, we appreciate Jessica's time, as well as the photos she provided. Looking forward to her show on April 22nd at 9pm at FAT! We would love to know more about you in the future!