Jessica Biffi
Even though talented fashion designer Jessica Biffi did not walk away with the most coveted prize on Project Runway Canada Season 2, I have been faithfully following her rising career. She ultimately lost to Sunny (I didn’t take it too badly. I adored his creations too!), but I knew it wouldn’t be the last time we would hear from Miss Jessica B.
I wanted to interview her ever since I saw her on the show (she looks like such a fun person, no?). It took me a year, but I finally sent her an e-mail and asked if she would like to be interviewed for the happygrrls blog. She replied within seconds and said yes (yay!), but due to her busy schedule, we would have to do an e-mail interview.
Although I didn’t meet her in person, her cheerfulness and passion totally came through in her responses. Check out her awesome answers below!
When did you know that you had a talent for fashion design?
I've always loved fashion, before I knew what "fashion" was. I really got my start in high school though. I took a fashion class in grade 11, and it was then that I realized that I had a natural talent for drafting, construction and making beautiful things. Ever since then, I've been working towards being a designer.
Did you ever think of pursuing something else? If so, what?
I've always been a creative person, so I think if I wasn't designing I would be in a creative field like art, other forms of design, or acting. But to be honest with you, this is all I've ever wanted to do, and I'm very fortunate to be able to do what I love.
What was it like being a part of Project Runway Canada?
Imagine the most amazing, stressful, dramatic, funny, scary and pressure-filled moments of your life and simmer it down to a series of weeks - and that is Project Runway Canada! It was a challenge, but one that was so worth all the hard work. The show has been a career launcher for me, and I am really very grateful to the series.
You honestly had the most chill attitude on the show! What did you do to keep yourself sane in such a hectic environment?
I was lucky because I met some amazing people that I bonded with right away. Adejoke and Sunny, really were the ones I was closest to, and still remain great friends with. Also, after each elimination I would go back to the house and get my pro nails on and de-stress that way. You just have to keep your head on right in stressful times like that. I was there for me, not for the drama and I just wanted to do what I can to do and not get caught up in that stuff.
How did your line at Addition-Elle and MXM come about?
I used to work at Additon Elle as a visual merchandiser. I had a lot of fun working at the Toronto flagship store, and for me as a designer I think it’s very important to have firsthand retail knowledge. After Project Runway Canada, I left to start my namesake line, Jessica Biffi. Addition Elle and MXM were very supportive of me while I was on the show, so it really was a natural fit. They asked if I would be interested in partnering with them in two plus size lines, and I jumped at it! Plus is something that I've always wanted to do, and I am so proud to be working with such leaders in the plus size market. Also - I love wearing the lines that I've created!!
What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?
This is going to sound cliché, but everything! Getting my start on the series was incredible! Launching Jessica Biffi at LG Fashion Week last season, meeting and being interviewed by Jeanne Beker, working with all the amazing partners I've had over the last two years, and now creating two plus size lines sold across Canada! Jessica Biffi the brand will soon be one year old - and what a year it’s been!!
What celeb would you love to see in your clothes?
I'm greedy - all of them!! I want everyone from Blake Lively to Gabourey Sidibe to rock Jessica Biffi!
What type of woman do you have in mind when you are designing clothes?
Someone that loves fashion, wants something beautiful but interesting, isn't afraid to be a little bit sexy, is confident and loves to express herself. Every season or project is different, but this is the essence of the Biffi woman.
What inspires you?
Anything and everything. I like to mix things together that someone might not fully understand at first, but the complete vision is so beautiful. I pull from music, art, technology, nature, people, politics, space - I'm all over the place. I think that's what's so amazing about creativity - it comes from all over if you are open to it. I also have some great muses in my life, and they play a big part in my design process.
What current trend(s) are you tired of seeing? Which ones do you love?
I'm SO over leggings as pants! Leggings are NOT pants! I love leggings, and under a short dress or great tunic - awesome! But with a shorter shirt and as a straight up bottom - no. I do love shoulder details - and see them happening for a while longer.
What fashion designers are you a fan of?
Hands down - Alexander McQueen. He was the love of my life. Everything he did had such an effect on me. I loved his use of tailoring and interesting mixes of textures and fabrications. He had such a strong voice - one that will always be with me.
Michelle
