The Show designer spotlight: nowhere by Elisa Medina

Elisa Medina hails from Quito, as do her creative interests: It was in Ecuador where her grandfather first encouraged her to start painting and drawing. Eventually her interest in the arts grew to include the creative process of fashion design, which she saw as closely related to that of the visual arts.

At 17, Medina began to sew, and developed a desire to translate her designs from paper to fabric. She found that Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) fashion design program offered the opportunity to expand her technical skills, as well as the creative aspects of fashion, an opportunity that lead her to nowhere, her most recent creative pursuit.

Medina’s fashion collection caters to artistically inclined men who are socially aware, environmentally conscious, and driven by a sense of nonconformity. Each piece in the line is built for longevity, and intended to transcend seasonal trends.

The line nowhere will be unveiled at The Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel, on April 24 at the River Rock Casino. Thirty-six other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion students will also be showcased. See kpu.ca/theshow2014 for event details.

Erin Robertson: Describe your collection.

Elisa Medina: nowhere is based on the principles of "slow design". This involves considering the whole life cycle of a garment, from fibre to consumer use. The aim is to bring awareness, human connection, and the preservation of artisanal values into fashion. As alluded to in the collection’s name, these garments don’t exist in a particular place in time. They transcend seasonal trends, and are made from natural, hardy materials that last.

ER: Where did you get your inspiration for this collection?

EM: The collection invites the wearer to rediscover the beauty of overlooked surfaces, as well as the historic influences woven into a contemporary man’s wardrobe. My line nowhere features digital printing, needle felting, and fabric manipulations inspired by the "memory" of material. Memory is then complemented by history. References to 1930s work wear and bespoke tailoring bring natural, hardy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes.

ER: If your collection had a soundtrack, what song would it be?

EM: I had the chance to collaborate with Devon Clarke, a talented local musician, to create an original song for my line’s unveiling at The Show. It’s defined by blues-infused rock and roll with a nostalgic feel.                           

ER: What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?

EM: The feeling that I want to create with my collection is the one I’ve found with certain pieces in my wardrobe. My favourite is a vintage coat I came across while travelling in England. It’s made out of a colourful Welsh jacquard. The coat is not only evocative of the past, but it also has a cultural and personal story behind it. It’s the kind of piece that remains in one’s wardrobe for a long time.

ER: What are you doing after graduation?

EM: I am currently working as an assistant designer for Eric + Lani. I hope to continue to grow as a creative professional and contribute to the local industry. I also look forward to having some time to travel. I get to go back to my native Ecuador this summer.

ER: The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

EM: I love both, but I have to say the Beatles. They managed to be incredibly innovative while remaining universally relatable.