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Photographed by Andreya Klobucar
Models: Shelby Furber (Sutherland Models), Ella Swan (Elmer Olsen Models), Danielle Browne (Elmer Olsen Models)
Hair and makeup by Mark Jordy Gonzales (Judy Inc.)
Matin Mithras
Future Legacy
“I simply want to design clothes for a living—clothes that can make a statement and are more than just covering the body. I like to nurture and enrich the soul of people who are wearing it. To me, this is progress and evolution and not an ultimate destination, as you can always reach newer heights.”
Agent of Change
“With new global developments, especially the political changes in the past two years, I believe Canadians can be more influential in the world than ever. Our Canadian values of freedom, equality, inclusion, and respect for different cultures is inspiring to me and will be reflected in my work. I want to do my best to develop a unique style and identity while supporting other talented, hard-working Canadian designers to bring more attention to the Canadian fashion scene.”
Creative Process
“When it comes to design and creativity in fashion, there is no limit to the ways you can express your ideas. With each project I take on, I explore new techniques and materials that make me excited to come up with new and original ideas. The joy and eagerness I get from this process motivates me to keep going. I get inspired by an intellectual conversation, a documentary, a music video, a historical character or event, visiting a museum or art gallery, and nature’s beauty and intricacies. I love spending time in a library, walking the aisles and searching for hidden treasures that can’t be found online. After some good finds, I analyze how I can utilize them in my world.”
Impact of SRFI
“The fact that the SRFI is the only fashion fellowship program in Canada will have a tremendous impact on raising my visibility and reaching a broader audience, which opens many doors to success. More importantly, the SRFI provides amazing support by investing in us and helping us overcome many obstacles and issues that, under normal circumstances, would be more difficult to resolve. The SRFI gives me this strong motivation to work harder and push myself to the limits in order to achieve my goals.”
Design Aesthetic
“My design aesthetic very much revolves around the way my mind functions, which is very contradictory, and an amalgamation of polar opposites. I enjoy aspects of contrast and drama, and the combination of old and new. As avant-garde as I am as a designer, I still decode and deconstruct the classic arts, including architecture, and allow them to influence my designs. I am drawn to bold and expressive looks that experiment with colour, form, and texture, although I genuinely appreciate the classic silhouettes.”