Romanian-born Lucian Matis grew up in his mothers tailor shop and began designing at a very early age. After moving to Canada in 1999, Matis gained national attention and a vast fan base through his participation on the first season of Slice Network’s Project Runway Canada. In addition to many professional accolades, Matis may be one of the few leading fashion designers who went to art school in Transylvania (He studied fashion at Ryerson University in Toronto).
Matis will present his Fall/Winter 2012 collection at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Monday, March 12. Below, he talks to FIJI Water about his inspirations, who he designs for, and more.
Q: What inspired you to become a designer?
LUCIAN: What made me become a fashion designer are the mixes in different medias I get to work with. This incorporates drawing, painting, textiles, hair/make-up, photography…and the list can go on and on…
Q: What was the inspiration for this season’s collection?
LUCIAN: Linearity and the symmetry found in nature.
Lucian Matis working with a model. Photo: Peter Ngyuen, Model: Charlie, Sutherland Models
Q: What kind of woman do you design for?
LUCIAN: I design for a sophisticated woman that loves, and is intrigued by, fashion and wants to have fun while wearing it.
Q: What is your favorite piece from this season’s collection?
LUCIAN: I have a few, but I believe that the finale piece will be my favourite…not yet finished.
Q: When you’re not wearing your own styles, whose do you turn to?
LUCIAN: I wish I would have the time to design more clothes for myself! I tend to wear a lot of casual lines such as: Diesel, Karl Lagerfeld and D Squared … I also find some amazing purchases in NYC and Japan as the fashions are a bit more adventurous.
Q: You’ve had a number of illustrious milestones in your career. Which milestone are you most proud of and why?
LUCIAN: Gracing the cover of any major fashion publication is always an honour for me and I have had that opportunity with many fantastic and prestigious publications.
Q: How much time does it take to create a season’s collection?
LUCIAN: Most collections take us around 2 months, but coming up with the concept is what takes longer.
Q: What do you do to set your design apart from those of other designers?
LUCIAN: I think what separates the Lucian Matis label from other fashion brands is the techniques we use as well as the fit.
Q: How do you want people to feel when wearing your clothing?
LUCIAN: I hope that they feel special and proud when wearing my clothes.
Q: What is the future of fashion? What big milestones do your foresee for the next 10 years?
LUCIAN: I am looking forward to expanding into other areas of design such as interior design, eyewear, also the idea of a fragrance really excites me.
Q: What are your favorite and least favorite trends of the past few years?
LUCIAN: One of my favourite trends by far is the bright colours on the SS12. Going through the stores and seeing all the bright tones makes me smile. As for trends I like least, I think the high cut bathing suits makes me wince.
Q: In fashion, what does “good taste” mean to you?
LUCIAN: Elegance and sophistication. Having your own style. When you wear the clothes and the clothes don’t wear you.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a fashion designer?
LUCIAN: One piece of advice would be to make sure they are ready to work hard and never stop learning!
To learn more about Lucian Matis, visit his website.
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