The Tales of a Canadian Girl Living in Southern Virginia

By: Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

I love this column for the reason that I am able to share with all of you the ridiculous bullshit that I encounter on a daily basis here in Hampton Roads, Virginia.  As disconnected as the region is where all the cities strive for nothing more than being individual from the other, it clearly mirrors the majority of the people in the area that lack the synapse to prevent them from acting like such dumb asses.

Lend your ear if you will to this crap.  My husband and I headed to Virginia Beach Town Center, about 20 minutes away from home.  Running late for the 8 p.m. comedy show that we were invited to by Quincy Carr himself, we were turned away at the door at 8:10 p.m. due to “lack of attendance”.  Yes, let me paraphrase, we were not let into the comedy club because the turnout was weak.  After my husband said, “But we’re here to spend money on food and drinks” they still refused to let us in.  While trying to make sense of all that was going on—I still can’t fucking understand it—I managed to divulge that I was writing about the evening’s show.  Due to the manager’s lack of education and perhaps reading ability, he wouldn’t let us walk through the door.

Allow me to paint the picture for you.  The bar was completely empty, heck, the servers were drinking and hanging out.  It was d-e-a-d and they still refused our business.  The obese manager would rather continue trying to get his underage waitress drunk in order to bone her (hopefully) by the end of the night.  In order to defend himself, the manager stated that they have been seating for the past hour and a half.  My question to that: Who the hell were they seating?  Did I mention that The Funny Bone has a policy that all attendees must call to make reservations ahead of time (for which we did)?

The more I thought about it, the more ridiculous the manager’s reasoning sounded.  We were not allowed in because the computers were closed down and we had to be issued a ticket, but yet we had complimentary tickets from the comedian himself and that would not be accepted because the theater is not full because hardly anyone came out for the show.  Are you with me?  Does this sound ridiculous?

What floors me is that people are still being left in awe as they continue to ask the questions such as:  Why does no one know anything about Hampton Roads?  Why is this area not striving?  Why are we not evolving into the competitive market that we should be?  Let me answer those questions in three words: Country bumpkin mentality.  There’s no sense of urgency, there’s no sense of surpassing expectations, there’s no sense of sense.  As a girl living in the US for the first time ever, I pray to God, Buddha, and anyone else who may be up there that Americans cannot be this fuckin’ stupid?  Right?  What’s scary is that the largest naval base in the world is located here.  Great, dumb fucks with guns, “America the great”?

The Tales of a Canadian Girl Living in Southern Virginia….

By: Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

What is making front page news is the policy that is banning teens from the only Norfolk mall after 5 p.m.  To put things in perspective, it would be as if anyone younger than 18 not being allowed to shop at the Eaton Center—I know.

The ban, which has been in effect for a year now permits minors to shop after the curfew time only while accompanied with someone 21 or older.  Steep rules indeed, but this isn’t because we live in the Bible Belt, child, but due to the “number of unsupervised teens congregating in the evenings.”  Isn’t this in violation of the First Amendment “Freedom of religion, speech, the press, ASSEMBLY, and petition”?  I guess it doesn’t apply to those who can’t vote.

MacArthur Center, Downtown Norfolk

An overall consensus reports that there has been a decline in shoplifting but it’s a mixed bag when it comes to sales—the GM is saying sales are up while some retailers are saying nay.  Sorry Forever 21, Aéropostale, Abercrombie and Fitch, Charlotte Russe and American Eagle, looks like the majority of your clientele will be MILFs and cougars for the most part now, or those who are desperately trying to hold onto their youth.  I really shouldn’t say that because as a 24-year-old, I love Forever 21.

I can see both sides of the coin, especially with my past retail experience—teens were a pain in the ass to deal with at times.  But let’s be honest, in a down economy where people are worried about their 401 K (RRSP in Canadian lingo), the dipping value of their homes, job security and lack of bonuses, the people who have the money to blow on a $150 “Hailey” cardigan from Abercrombie & Fitch are the same people who are stocking up on beauty products containing salicylic acid.

If these retailers who serve the teens to tweens oh so fashionable customers continue to report declines this mall, called MacArthur Mall will turn into another country bumpkin shopping center.  Then you’ll see the Mall Walkers Association develop with grandma leading the way and Tai Chi demos at noon.  There’s already such little incentive for anyone youthful to hang around downtown why take this away too?  If anything good is coming out of this, it is the persistent teen-picketing outside the mall that is truly bring all types of youth together for a common goal—praise to the First Amendment.

The tales of a Canadian Girl living in Southern Virginia…By: Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

With mid-term elections looming various issues are afloat demanding another go at bringing certain bills to the floor.  With that said, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is still up in the air.  It seems that the Senate has decided not to vote on it yet.  If you are not familiar with the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy it is to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers to serve openly.  Because the Republicans have blocked the vote what’s next is a study that the military has to conduct in order to bring forth the affects of this policy shift—therefore disclosing the number of homophobes in the military.

So this is making headline news here.  I buy into that because we are in a military area with three major bases one of which is the largest naval base in the world—and our troops need to know if they should pivot while standing at the urinal next time.  What is the issue here though?  Let’s discuss it a little bit while the war against terrorism is going on and while the bodies of NATO troops are being hauled off the floor thanks to our Taliban insurgents who are still trying to figure out whether or not they shot down the helicopter.  The gays want to be able to say that they’re gay—they’ve fought a long and hard battle, I understand that.  The straights may accept the gays, they may not—some argue that they don’t carry the label ‘straight’ wherever they go—I hear that.  But on the battlefield, does it really matter how you like to give it and receive it?  If straight men and women can openly banter about sex with the opposite sex why must gays, lesbians or bisexuals remain closed-lipped about their particular sexual appetite?

I say, let the gays go about in their ways.  It’s hypocritical for us, non-gays to accept them, take their decorating advices, fashion oui-oui’s and expect them to be hush.  There are greater problems at hand in the United States.  While we are at the point of recuperating billions of military dollars spent on Freedom Iraq, it is illogical to provide the financial attention on a study to determine what the effects of letting homosexuals out of the closet in the military will do.  Hello, they were already there, people have know all along, so what?  Does the United States military believe that recruitment will dip or that the army barracks décor will have a little pizzazz or that we won’t be as tough or that the Talibans will come after us harder because we are welcoming homosexuals?  Come on.

Tales of a Canuck living in Southern VA…

Words and Photos by: Kim Cuachon-Haugh

When my husband and I first moved here, we were immediately drawn to Norfolk for the reason that it would be closer to work.  In an area that is surrounded by water with water running through it here and there, we are subjected to bridges, draw-bridges, and tunnels going from city to city.  Norfolk also presented the opportunity to live on the beach along the Chesapeake Bay without us having to live on love alone—it’s a lot more affordable than living in Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Ocean.  The area of Ocean View reminds me of Cabbage Town, with the older homes, mini-plazas, and independent restaurants and stores.  It all seemed charming.

I spoke too soon.  A walk along the beach in Fall presented the sound of gun shots coming from the west side of the Ocean View, and I hit the ground fast just—as I would in Scarborough.  That incident caused me to carry police grade tear gas at all times.  A confrontation between multi-trailer-trashes about a so-called “stolen dog” has reminded me to keep my own dog on a leash and at close sight.  And a more recent shoe snatching incident right outside my own front door has left me pissed of and cautious about even leaving my hostas plant outside.  What the f?  It seems that the ghettos have invaded, or have they always been here?  Did they go into hiding while we were inspecting the property?

Now I don’t mean to be knit picky, but come the fuck on!  When one steals one’s flip flops after seeing that person take them off and putting them to the side of the boardwalk (this happened to my husband) IT’S ON!

Here are some incidents I thought I’d share:

(1) The ghetto blasters hang out on furniture that is considered to be trash on St. Patrick’s Day.  They drink Crystal Light beer, dance to music off a boom box, and practically fornicate on dumpster area seating.

(2) The ghetto blasters begin empting out there own house hold trash into a roll-off bin as construction is being done to our house.  The contractors remove their trash out of the bin, and the ghettos put it back.  This goes on for a few days (the ghettos don’t understand) and then the ghettos give up to simply leave their trash beside the roll-off bin.

(3) The ghetto blasters argue outside their roach motel type homes about a dog that went missing.  The owner is pissed off and high on drugs accusing the other ghettos that he hears his dog barking.  There is no dog.  He is actually hearing a cat meow.

(4) The ghetto blasters are on the beach, they are without their swimsuit but with plenty of junk food and soda.  The ghettos are gone, their wrappers are scattered about, and they have written their names in the sand with urine.  Ironic that dogs are not allowed on the beach after Memorial Day between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and not the ghettos.

(5) The ghetto blasters steal my 2 year old, sand filled, and scuffed up pair of New Balance runners from right outside my door.  Everyone in this neighborhood is huge, so my shoes must have been swiped for their kid.

(6) The ghetto blasters do not steal my newspaper.  Clearly, they are illiterate dumb asses!

So, far, we have managed to keep the ghetto blaster invasion under control.  It seems that they carry heavy artillery but have difficulties maneuvering with their large size.  They travel in packs and their ghettoness can be spotted from as far as 200 feet away.  We have secured all exterior belongings with locks.  Sensory lights are in place, as the ghetto blasters they seem to disperse when light is flashed at them.  An iron clad contingency plan is in place should there be a level five attack that includes something shiny, as ghetto blasters are very simple minded and are completely distracted by “pretty, shiny things”.

I am a proud Canadian. It is a distinct pulse that runs through my veins where ever I travel to, be it in the True North Strong and Free or even in the Land of the Free.  Quite recently, my free spirit has travelled with me to Montreal, “Room to Make it Real” and Atlantic City, “Always Turned On”.  Walking through both downtown cores, equally provided excitement and oh la la, but the air in both places felt very different from one another.  The air in Montreal is filled with the sound of Assassin’s Tango played on a solo violin with the smells of cuisine from all over the world dancing around each other.  The air in Atlantic City, smells like succulent seafood, sweet and fresh with the compliment of fried dough.  As I hear the sound of my gladiator sandals tap the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, simultaneously recognize the sounds of my 5 inch heels clack along Montreal’s rue Crescent.  It’s amazing, only an hour plane ride away and the salt air that clings heavy on my tanning skin, makes me feel as though I am at least an ocean away.

Like Pandora’s Box, both skylines tantalize the eye as to what’s to come.  Just waiting to be discovered and experienced, a playground for all your senses.

The sign of Atlantic City holds true that it is a city that is “Always Turned On!”

It’s that time of the year. For the entire month of May CONTACT photography festival has been taking over Toronto. If you want an insiders look, each Saturday afternoon the Heineken Behind the Lens Tour goes behind the scenes with photographers and other cultural experts as they share their insight from an insider’s vantage point. Each tour,walks through a different Toronto neighborhoods, always ending with a cold Heiny.

This years festival is based on the works of Marshall McLuhan and his theories on the pervasive influence of photography

Check out deez pics that our pal Morad sent us:

(The colourful mural is David Lachapelle and was on the queen west walk. The billboard on the AGO is Barbara Kruger and was on the City Centre walk)

To sign up for the next 2 weekends go to the facebook event

Habitually, when I window shop for blazers, the King of Pop, does not cross my mind, however yesterday it did.  Perhaps, I could attribute it to the largest memorial in history that ever went down, the a few days ago, with his recent passing, but remember, I’m a fashionista first off and foremost; so, my realization was the blazer I was looking at could actually be traced to MJ circa 1987 Bad Tour.  An awesome find indeed, but much too hefty for my Chinese Laundry clutch to handle.  As I say farewell to the Balmain’ish jacket, I am reminded of the trends that were brought to light through Michael Jackson fearless sense of style.

1972, at Royal Variety at London Palladium. Afro and plaid chic, scarves on men are so in!

1977, with The Jacksons. Yes! "Come they told me , pa...ra...pa...pum...pum." You'll see this padded shoulder, drummer boy jacket translate itself circa 90's.

1981, Triumph Tour. The leather pleather pants will come into play again, with a fitted top, probably not sequened, but if singing in front of millions, permitted.

"Beat It" Album Cover, 19831984, at American Music Awards with Brook Shields1989, American Music Awards. Find these jeans at American Apparel, for sure; and the high tops? Baby, they never left.

1990, Life Magazine. The toned down Jheri curls, even I did this look with a perm and mousse, crunch, crunch; and the fedora is timeless.

2007, Ebony Magazine. Just call this Chiq Robotic!

An iconic figure for so many reasons, with fashion being one of them, Michael Jackson will go down in history for his radical efforts to pave the way for those looking to break the fashion barrier between male and female, giving the term unisex a whole new meaning.  Michael Jackson will be immortalized through his music, dance moves, and trade mark military jacket.  The beat will go on!

Beyonce in Balmain Jacket

Rihanna in Marc Jacobs Jacket

By: Kim Cuachon

By: Kim Cuachon

Photos: John White, Toronto Sun

Last minute appearance made at the Hyatt Regency Toronto, en route to his Oshawa show, on his Freedom Tour. Gosh, what is his name again? You know the one who sang “Then possibly bend you over/Look back and watch me/Smack that, all on the floor/ Smack that, give me some more/ Smack that, til you get sore/ Smack that, ohh, ohh”, that’s him, Akon.

The press conference according to Matteo Sestito of Sestito Entertainment Group, says, “This was a last minute thing that was thrown together…we hope that tonight’s concert goes well.” Not a huge turn-out as a result but some kudos to be made for Hollywood North as this shindig brought Mena Suvari (American Beauty and American Pie) and Akon together in the same room for five minutes. I know, odd pairing, kind of like a glass of Cab and cake. The inside scoop on that is that she is the fiancé of Akon’s concert promoter, Simone Sestito.

Mena Suvari with fiance Simone Sestito

Waiting and waiting, 45 minutes later enter Suvari, dressed in a black one piece tube top with pant outfit accented with gold belt and necklace. She looked like a fish out of water as she sipped on VOSS water, when offered a scallop hors d’oeuvre, she responded, “Not into shellfish.” I believe she really meant to say, “Not into food.” What is it with some girls?  Food good, yes, eat!

Akon

Akon decides to grace us with his presence, 5 minutes before he was scheduled to leave; ironically, he is on time with his departure, but not on time with his appearance. Here’s where Mr. Fabulous’ true colours come out – this appearance was based on a ridiculous discount that he received for forty guestrooms at $85.00 per night! (Source to remain unnamed) And all he could give was two minutes of his time.

It brings to perspective Colton when he said, “Riches may enable us to confer favours, but to confer them with propriety and grace requires a something that riches cannot give.” New money is what I call it, when all of a sudden you forget where you came from, and here you are rolling with people who only like you because of your latest “Ass smacking”, but this time, you have given it an alternative verb for your next hit.

Creativity and artistry, beautifully intertwined, making love to one another with the pulse of the crowd’s “Oh’s and awh’s” cheers and applause, that was the synergy at Toronto Alternative Fashion Week.

I had the opportunity to mix with the visionaries of tomorrow, work backstage with a costume genius, and I got face to face with Toronto’s Nina Arsenault.

“Sexy KKK”, Christabel Couture

The Distillery District has never felt this cool, it was the “It”, and Toronto’s art scene was unleashed. All the elements that collaborated to make it FAT, stimulated all the senses, it was sexy, avant-garde, with a bit of naughty and nice.

This year Vanja Vasic, Creative Director, decided to divvy up the event, “The focus this time is on a sense of space and surrounding. It is about awareness with a sense of being from all over the world.”

DJ Femme Normale kicked then night off with narly beats over tight verses, a perfect canvas for Day 1: Home, where the audience was fed a taste of vintage inspired collection and the exploration of feminine wiles in a more domesticated setting. Diepo’s lingerie screamed, “Take me right, here right now, but you better bring the champagne, ‘cause, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” If it were financially possible, I could see Eartha Kitt singing C’est Si Bon!

Day 2, paid homage to Earth Day with Planet, where the theme was sustainable fashion and style. The evening was spearheaded by DJ Daniel Wilson, as ready to wear collections were showcased by Anika and the Paper People Clothing. It was all about the positive direction that fashion is going and the choices that we could make to save the planet, one responsibly dyed bamboo tee at a time.

Gutter came with absolute precision. Arline Malakian’s Black on Black was film noir for the 21^st Century as it made your imagination run. This evening showcased the rawness of street fashion, mixed with hot and a touch of alternative with Und and further talents like Youth in Asia and Kristy McKenzie. Beats provided by DJ Daniel Wilson and added musical stylings by Curtis Santiago and former eTalk host Anna Cyzon.

Backstage with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

By the final night, the word was out there for sure. The Distillery District hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in three days. By the first fashion show case, the place was jiving to a different groove. The energy seemed heightened and people were moving faster.

Yes, this is a man in frilly panties and me painting him red!

I was back stage playing right hand woman to Chris Cunningham of Christabel Couture. Looking at his rack of costumes, it still seemed like there was still so much that had to get done. 17 models to dress, 2 models to be covered in body paint from head to toe, one topless model whose nipples had to be diamond cutters when she hit the runway, and the fact that we were crazy enough to put model Biko on a dolly wearing a mermaid outfit, absolutely fucking priceless!

Chris Cunningham and I

Cunningham, was the last designer to show, but it still did not seem like enough time, maybe if I choose to use less body paint to smear across my models hairy tummy, I would have got to blowing up balloons much faster for Cunningham’s bubble skirts. But all the models were dressed, the nipple bra was dawned on male model number 3, and the stiletto boots were already broken in by male model number 4.

La piece de resistance was Nina Arsenault. Enter stage left and speechless was the crowd, as perfect as one can get after a $150 thousand dollar extreme sex change, inside and out, swapping out the motor investment. Dressed as the hottest marionette that I have ever seen, in a one piecer that did not leave much to the imagination; except for probably the most obvious, paired with a hoop skirt, literally. She had straight men yelling her name, confirming Arsenault’s comment in a previous interview that all the men that she was with did not know that she was once a man.

Grand Finale, Nina Arsenault

I asked Arsenault post all the adoration from fans, what she thought of her outfit, she said, “I love what I wearing.” Clearly Arsenault could have been anyone’s tada finale, but Arsenault trusts Cunningham, “I believe in him as an artist…Chris has a very particular vision that has motifs that run through his work, like the morphing of the body and highly structural things…hard forms and soft. And a lot of surrealism.”

Having just participated in Toronto LG Fashion Week, Arsenault compares the experience and says, “LG Fashion Week is so glamourous because Canadian celebrities show up and it is such a produced event, but the I also love Toronto Alternative Fashion Week because the clothes are a lot edgier…they do not have to have the same mass marketing.”

With regards to Toronto Alternative Fashion Week, Arsenault believes in what the event is achieving and what is will do for Canadian fashion, “FAT’s new, people are just checking it out and the media is just trying to grasp on it…when people see what’s coming down the runway it will be taken more and more seriously. I think it’s going to be an event like Fashion Cares where over ten years it just grew so much until it was a cultural phenomenon.”

From the collagen injected mouth of the Nina Arsenault, “If you didn’t attend FAT you missed out on really edgy fashion.”

I must say that I was very excited to do this interview because of my personal love of vintage fashion. Like a blind date, Diepo and I met at a coffee house (it begins with “Star”). I ordered and peaked around the corner to check out the creative masterminds behind this line that I am anxious to see later this evening. There they were, Justine Diener and Kristin Poon, both sweetly dressed in let’s welcome spring now attires.

This is the second time Diepo will be showing at Toronto Alternative Fashion Week. Last year they did a total of ten outfits with a 1920’s inspiration behind each piece. Plenty of silks, with more relaxed silhouettes, with references to garters and shape wear, spearheaded the collection. There were also some tailored pieces à la Diener, such as smoking jackets, that juxtaposed the underwear as outerwear mantra that Diepo holds true to.

Without giving too much away, Poon reveals to me that this year at FAT, they will revive the 1950’s with a more masculine palette with navy and browns, consistent through the collection. Expect to see their signature mix of lingerie, but do not be intimidated. Diener reassures that because the lingerie is vintage inspired, they are more modest, “Like an understated sense of sexiness…there are no thongs!”

When asked about their love for vintage, Diener admits that it has always been vintage for her and that she has never seen herself as a modern girl and has always been the type to romanticize the past. Poon adds, “This era was a very defining moment for fashion and the reason why it is never forgotten.” Indeed! Machinery evolved, the roaring 20’s, World War II, and because of that, women were finding their place in society.

Diepo was conceived by Diener and Poon while studying Fashion at Ryerson. The true belief that sharing means learning is what brought the two together. Diener explains that while in school, the competition is fierce and “People are at arm’s length of each other, because whatever you are working on is this big secret.” But it was not like that with Diener and Poon at all. According to Diener, “When you’re starting out, it’s hard to put your ideas out there unless you’re a very particular kind of person and I think neither one of us are. I really love the stuff that Kristin does and I found one of the hardest things in couture is the competitive aspect.”

According to the dynamic duo, another struggle as an up and coming designer is the support that Torontonians have towards their local fashion, or rather, the lack there of. It is the choice consumers have to make; whether or not they want to pay more for their garments. “The hardest,” Diener says, “Is the mass production places like H&M. It’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s just impossible to produce pieces for the price that they do.”

So what does Diepo see for the future? “We’re kind of still dipping out toes in,” they say. Poon and Diener are enjoying full creative control and hope to begin producing and selling their pieces. Retail success is something they hope to achieve, but the women agree that when the time is right it will come. Poon explains that they are not the type to, “Just put things out there”, if the piece is not ready; leading to her advice to other designers trying to make it, “Don’t get ahead of yourself; and keep people who are honest close.” Diener adds, “You have to have people around you who are constructive, otherwise you’re doomed!”

BY: KIM CUACHON

On the Eve of Alternative Fashion Week, the official count down has begun until the stilettos hit the catwalk. Alternative Fashion Week [FAT] is right around the corner, but FAT’s Michelle Reagan says, “It’s still surreal that it’s so close!”

FAT was launched by Vanja Vasic in 2005, and she seems like this fairy godmother to everyone who I have spoken to, so now I wait in bated breath to interview her post FAT (stay tuned). In its inaugural year, it debuted with (are you ready for this?) 12 designers, 10 visual performance artists, 1 band and 2 DJs. The turn-out was 800 people. This year is showcasing 45 designers, 40 visual performance artists, and 14 musical groups. The expected turn-out this year is four thousand.

Reagan is pleased to know that FAT will be touching this many people, but knows that there is still a misconception that the show is tres avant garde, not mainstream enough, thus shooing away potential attendees. “What some do not understand is that alternative doesn’t mean weird. It can be interpreted as an alternative to L’Oreal Fashion Week or even an alternative to what’s happening in the magazines and what’s really happening in Toronto.  We have really maintained a balance between the really super crazy things and the more, ready to wear collections.”

According to Reagan, this is the first time that FAT is happening over four days, “The response from participants has gone up.” Due to the eclectic mix, the four days have been broken up into four different themes; Home, Planet, Gutter and Beyond. It is without coincidence that Planet falls on Earth Day.

So, far Reagan says, “Things aren’t too crazy. I’m just keeping things organized, trying to keep up with emails and media requests. But, like all shows, there are always last minute things that will come up. But it’s exciting.”

When asked what is the best thing about FAT? Reagan replies, “I’m really looking forward to feeding off everybody’s creative energy. It’s amazing how so many creative minds, from all different artistic backgrounds come together for this event.”

There’s no financial reward at the end of the night, but certainly a reward that has a priceless sense of fulfillment in the four day celebration of art, coming together as each participant’s craft is being given a stage to express on! Bear in mind that these are the artists of the future, who will be changing fashion for all of us.

By: KIM CUACHON

When I talk to people about my passion for fashion, I always get the look and then follows, “Well, what are you doing here then?” But after my interview with David C. Wigley (trust me, remember this name), talking about his fabulousness, his new cIothing line Worth. and his in on Toronto Alternative Fashion Week, I know I’m in the right place.

As my interview with him was conducted via email, I sent my questions to Wigley after picking up as much info about him as I could Googling. Usually when doing such a thing you hit send and cross your fingers, with hopes that you receive something back that is usable. After reading all of my thoroughly answered questions, I felt as though I had been in the mind of a present day, young Karl Lagerfeld. The evolution that Wigley continues, so full of passion and perseverance; leads this triple threat – designer, stylist, make-up artist, to a career path destined for greatness.

PM: You say your style is “high fashion”, you hear that term thrown around a lot, elaborate.

DW: “It’s true, you do hear ‘high fashion’ all the time, and most of the time it refers to something that was thrown together using cheap fabrics and totally unwearable. To me, it’s more about luxury and fine finishing. I don’t think that it has anything to do with labels however, but more the craftsman ship behind the piece. My pieces are more about something timeless and classic; however it’s something that you’ve never seen before…I really think that clothing is a feast for the eyes. I love garments that catch my eye, and give me what I call a visual orgasm! A running joke among my friends is that Vogue is my porn, I get off over a beautiful gown more than I ever would over a beautiful man.”

PM: What moment was the “Aha!”? When you said, “This is it! This is what I want.”?

DW: “I don’t know if I’ve ever had the ‘Aha’ yet…I’m just like any designer…struggling and doing what I can. Every collection or piece that I create has its own ‘Aha’ moment, it’s amazing! When the sketch comes together, and it just clicks…It’s like falling in love over again…I could say more, but it may get pornographic.”

PM: What does it feel like to be named “Most Promising Canadian Designer” at the Canadian Fashion Design Awards three years in a row?

DW: “Hmm… that’s a tough one… the first year was exciting… the years after, not so much… It’s really just a title, but nothing more than words. In fashion you are only as good as your last collection. It’s flattering.”

PM: With that said, you have won and placed in many other competitions. When you prepare for such an event, what is your game plan?

DW:     “I create many looks, sometimes upwards to 50 little line drawings – just thumbnails, quick little sketches of things that catch my eye. From there I’ll go over those thumbnails for sometimes up to a week. Whatever still jumps out at me will usually move on to the next stage where I do a few more sketches and start to finalize the silhouette. Then I’ll do the final sketch; VERY rarely does the final garment not look like the final sketch. Seeing as how I come from an illustration background, my illustrations are a final look of the garment right down to stitching lines. When it comes to show time I don’t really think of it as ‘winning’, I just want to show what I can do.”

PM: What can we expect to see on the runway from you at FAT this year?

DW: “This collection is my debut collection. I’ve created a lot of garments, but never a full collection. So with creating a collection, I also created a company to go with it. Worth. (Wigley’s clothing line) is really about what knowing what you are wearing, and knowing what its worth. The collection is timeless classic pieces with a fashion forward edge, made with sustainable luxurious fabrics and finishes. One of my hugest pet peeves is one people pick up a piece of well made clothing, see the price tag and say ‘What the fuck! This is SO not worth ‘x’ amount of dollars’. My client is someone who understands and knows what their clothing is worth. Not necessarily that it’s expensive, but wants to wear a garment made of sustainable fabrics in a sweat shop free environment. And not only that, but they know what they are worth. Each garment is screen printed with a mantra, this season’s is ‘I am worth loving.’ Every season the garments will co-ordinate and work with previous and future Worth. garments. The mantras will almost work as a time stamp to show which season the garment is from, as each mantra is exclusive to that season.
On top of that you can expect an exciting and entertaining show! Coming from a theater background, and working as a visual stylist, I’m all about the big bang and first impression! I can’t say anything more.”

PM: What are your thoughts on FAT?

DW: “I’m SO excited to be a part of FAT. I feel that they have a great set of core beliefs, and what they stand for is just amazing. The whole idea of FAT is phenomenal! It takes all your pre-conceived notions of fashion, and throws them out the window. I feel like it is a socially responsible event, promoting green living and a healthy outlook on life. The models are more like real people, who essentially will be wearing the clothing, and create an image that’s attainable. At the end of the day I believe that designers have a social responsibility, and FAR too many promote unhealthy lifestyle choices. In fact, I read in Vogue the other day about a designer (won’t name names) who actually tailors his collection to fit a ‘modified’ body shape, essentially fake breasts. It’s disgusting and unnatural to me, to create a clothing line catered to people who can’t embrace what they were born with, and feel the need to surgically alter themselves to be beautiful. I feel that people look outward for beauty, when they really should be looking in, because really, we are all worth loving.”

Very seldom, do we come across a designer who is socially conscious and is stoic in believing that beauty must be organic. On many occasions such responsibilities are compromised to achieve haute-couture. Perhaps, this “Recycled Hollywood story…small town kid, moves to the big city, wide-eyed over fashion,” has it right. Sometimes you ought to be removed from the situation in order to see where you want to take it. Perhaps all of us living in urbania, take it for granted –all the little details. But through Wigley it all comes together. He may have been know as an “Über-geek” while growing up, but he could soon be known as an über-designer, encompassing the perfect ideology of the future of design, making a utopia of the art itself.

The city sets the stage for Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week [FAT] Tuesday, April 21^st to Friday, April 24^th. The Distillery District will be feeling the pulse of Toronto’s avant-garde artists in a collaboration of music, video, photography, performances and fashion.

In its third year and running strong, Vanja Vasick, Founder and Director will be doing it all over again; the runway, the stage, the lights and the people. FAT will be showcasing more than 200 artists from all over the country and abroad, thus setting the runway for established and up and comings to show case and collaborate their talents.

FAT is sure to deliver an eclectic array; from the petit chics to the avant-gardes, are sure to make an appearance. So, wherever you fall in that spectrum, drop by, it will deliver something to talk about.