Fashion Student Spotlight

Marita Paul's career-casual pieces transcend trends

Marita Paul’s fashion journey began with an aquamarine hat: the first sewing project in the beginner’s sewing class she took in her final year of high school. As soon as it was completed, she was hooked.

With a strong passion for the environment, Paul knew that her final collection as a bachelor of fashion design and technology student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University needed to tackle the fashion industry’s darker side. She noticed a need for sustainable and ethical apparel in the career-casual women’s market.

Trendless clothing with sophisticated style, adjustability and multiple looks was Paul’s solution for creating smaller wardrobes that worked for working women. The combination of this concept, local manufacturing, high-quality construction, and conscious fabric choices makes Shape Shifter: a collection of clothes designed to last.

Shape Shifter will be unveiled at 2016 The Show: The Final Cut, presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 6 and 7 at the Imperial Vancouver (319 Main Street). Thirty-five other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion design and technology students will also be showcased.

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Claire Cormeau: Describe your collection.

Marita Paul: Shape Shifter is an adjustable career-casual line for ethically minded women. The line stretches wardrobes and transcends trends. It answers a need for quality, versatility, comfort and style in womenswear, without asking women to sacrifice their ethics. Every Shape Shifter piece is easily adjustable and transformable. Key details include total garment reversibility and necklines that can be worn at the back or at the front. Wrap constructions allow multiple looks and ultimate comfort. Adjustability ensures there is room for that amazing family dinner, as well as some weight fluctuation, without having to buy an entire new wardrobe.

CC: What was the inspiration behind your line?

MP: I was greatly inspired by Japanese designers, philosophies, and style. At the "Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese" fashion exhibition in Seattle, I was struck by how modern many of the clothes looked despite having been made in the ‘80s. This was a direct result of designers like Yohji Yamamoto rejecting fashion trends, which added longevity to his clothes. This concept aligned with my values of slowing down the fashion cycle and creating an aesthetic with lasting power. Shape Shifter includes modernized Japanese details like obi belts, kimono sleeves, mandarin collars, and shibori prints.

CC: Can you tell me about your creative process?

MP: Customer lifestyle and values research were critical for my niche. I needed to get inside Shape Shifter women’s heads to know what they needed, wanted, and what they were missing. My creative process begins by pinning a bunch of inspirational words and photos on Pinterest. I scout out retail stores to determine what is selling well and what is languishing on the sales racks. I choose a theme, source fabrics, sketch up a storm, and start narrowing down my designs to the right mix of tops, dresses, and bottoms.

CC: What have you learned at KPU?

MP: I’ve learned how important it is to build and nurture a community. My class is a tight-knit group that supports one another. Our instructors have also really encouraged a safe and collaborative space, both inside and outside the classroom. With all of their help, my creative and technical toolbox has grown exponentially.

CC: What aspect of design are you most passionate about?

MP: I am passionate about how design can be used as a tool to transform our industry towards a healthier and more sustainable future. There are so many new and exciting ideas happening in sustainable and ethical fashion. I intend to contribute to those efforts and positively impact the industry that I love.

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