Young, Stylish and on the Rise

Local fashion designers to look for in 2011

THE FOLLOWING THREE designers have made their mark on the Ottawa fashion scene by successfully launching labels that include handmade, original pieces exclusive to their collections. Their cutting edge trends have put each designer on the map, leading Ottawa into a fashion revitalization for which we have desperately been waiting.

Amber Watkins

Amber Watkins: Swim & Lounge

Amber Watkins currently produces swimwear and lounge items for women seeking edgy and trendy clothes that fit and wear well. She has showcased her collections in both Toronto and Ottawa, and has attended New York Fashion Week, gaining critical experience and exposure.

“Whether it’s a different fabric, an unexpected cutout, or an added detail, my swimsuits take a risk and are still comfortable and flattering,” says the designer. Some eye-catching pieces from her past collections include a white bikini with feminine lace trim and a blue and white nautical-themed one-piece swimsuit with dramatic cutouts and gold detail.

“I’m starting with mostly swimwear as my main focus, and then plan on branching out to lingerie and other areas,” she explains. Next up, Watkins will be participating in a charity-run fashion show on Feb. 20 at the Glebe Community Centre. Her designs are available for purchase at amberwatkins.ca

Angie Fisher

Demü Label

Having recently obtained a bachelors degree in architecture, designer Angie Fisher says her transition into the fashion industry was rather seamless.

“These studies have taught me to create and think in the third dimension, as both programs require extreme attention to detail, creativity, and an understanding of what the general public is looking for,” says Fisher. Her label is best known for its edgy graphic tees and hoodies. She describes each collection as beginning with a general concept, which then inspired the entire collection.

“Our last season was called ‘Addicted’,” she explains. “All the designs were inspired by iconic figures who were humbled by their addiction, [like] James Dean, Johnny Cash, [and] Marilyn Monroe.”

Items from this collection included images of these celebrities offset by the Demü Label logo in various ways. Fisher describes her upcoming collection, Vigil-ANTI, as being inspired by childhood superheroes. Look for the collection online at demulabel.com on March 18.

Leigh Bequette

Box House Apparel

Box House Apparel launched in September 2010, and showcases pieces intending to disrupt popular trends while simultaneously revealing the individuality of the client wearing the label. Chief designer Leigh Bequette has become well known for his handmade t-shirts and hoodies, which incorporate unique pocket designs. His clothing reflects an extraordinary attention to detail as Bequette strategically layers various materials and colours.

“Our clothing is generally described as high-end urban street wear,” says public relations representative for Box House Apparel, William Johnson. When discussing clientele, Johnson explains, “Box House Apparel is an alternative lifestyle brand and the people we cater to are young and cultured.”

The label offers handmade custom t-shirts, sweaters, hats, and dresses tailored for those seeking to express their individual style. Box House Apparel can be found online, at boxhouseapparel.com, or at Organik Graphyx, located at 9 Florence St.

Published online at www.thefulcrum.ca