One day, you're a regular girl growing up in Toronto, the next day you're following your dreams designing clothes for people all over Toronto. I had the chance to speak with a young fashion designer who goes by the name of Chethi. Her passion and enjoyment of seeing her ideas come to life is what really brought her to achieve her goal, to design clothing for a wide crowd.
What's your full name?
My full name is Chethni Angunawela.
Where does your fashion influence come from?
I'd say my fashion influence branches off from anything and everything my eyes adore. From old fashion catalogs in the early 90's to people walking down the streets of downtown. Those few that dress so differently where the majority of people would look at their outfits strangely. That's what influences my fashion.
When did you decide you wanted to start making clothing?
Since middle school I loved cutting up my clothes which my mom hated me for. She would literally tell me that she's never buying me clothes again because I just cut them up. The yelling motivated me.... just kidding(not). High school came not too long after and I made my first top in grade 10. After that my hobby grew and I gradually began to receive a lot of requests from people to make them clothes as well. This summer I officially began designing clothes for a broader audience.
What is your favourite part about designing clothes?
I think my favorite part is the end result. Seeing my ideas come to life.
What are your plans for the future? Do you want to continue designing clothes or would you consider this more of a hobby?
All fingers crossed, my dream is to become a famous designer one day therefore this hobby is in the process of becoming my big career!
Are there any fashion trends that you absolutely despise?
I hate hoop earrings for one, I see it coming back now and I feel its super tacky. Other than that I don't despite anything else as of yet. My favorite new upcoming trend however is seeing the masculinity coming to life in female clothes. It's perfect.
Was there anyone in particular who got you interested in the fashion industry? Or did you decide to work in the industry on your own?
My interest on fashion solely came from me. I don't remember exactly when I started to do this but maybe it was around the time that Tumblr became popular. I noticed myself constantly being obsessed over the internet just looking at clothes. While my mom probably thought that I was addicted to my phone because of boys or something horrible in her mind. I was that one girl that was obsessed over clothes and didn't care about what people thought of what I'm wearing.
Is there a certain work ethic that you like to follow when designing clothes? How do you like to have fun while designing clothes?
I usually just turn the tv on, or watch a movie and play it in the background while I get lost in my work. But I've learned to keep my distraction to a minimal now since the last time I sewed a sleeve onto where the neck is. It was funny but unpicking the thread stopped all laughter. To be honest, my fun is making clothes. I love the excitement I get when I see the finished product.
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Do you have any long-term goals as a fashion designer? How succesful would you like to be in this industry?
Like I said before, I want to become world famous. I won't put limits on this particular dream. I want to be able to walk down the street and see people wearing my clothes and maybe, hopefully, I'll inspire one or two people. That's the goal.
What are your favorite clothing pieces to wear when going out?
I love wearing over-sized clothes so I'd say an over-sized t-shirt with an ankle length pencil skirt or one of my sleeveless loose dresses with a sleeveless mesh top (the same length as the dress) over it and a sleeveless leather vest on top of that. A little comfy, a little stylish, a little layering.
What celebrities do you think have the most impact on fashion right now?
Interview by: Leena Singh
Photos by: Chethi