Whether it's on the runway or red carpet, Joseph Tassoni has been taking the Toronto fashion industry by storm. From his infamous Canadian inspired winter coats to flowing gowns at TIFF, it's clear he's onto BIG things.
Joseph Tassoni is a Canadian born fashion designer who graduated from Toronto's very own Ryerson University. Launching his eponymous outerwear line in 2017, Joseph's brand "Joseph Tassoni" is a "celebration of Canadian quality, craftsmanship and creativity". What does that mean exactly? It means that all of his pieces have been "designed, sourced and made in Canada" driving awareness and highlighting the Canadian fashion scene.
Joseph’s designs can be classified as "bold femininity, while remaining focused on uncompromising fit." His pieces are elegant yet eccentric and every season his collections evolve and are fueled with more innovation than before. And his Fall/Winter 2018 collection was no exception.
At Toronto Women's Fashion Week Joseph debuted his FW18 collection inspired by a mythical garden. Models walked the runway draped in decadent and vibrant hues emulating the colors you'd see in a blooming winter garden.
This past year Joseph has made enormous strides and we couldn't think of anyone more celebratory of Canada to feature as our Designer Spotlight for April 2018. So, with a passion for design and Canadian craftmanship, here is our exclusive Designer Spotlight interview with Joseph Tassoni:
Let’s start from the beginning; When did you first get into fashion designing and what made you want to get into it? Was there something that sparked your interest or was it something that was always in you?
JT – Designing and creating pieces was always something that came naturally. I learned how to sew before I could read and started creating my mini collections around the age of 5, which were inspired and modeled by my 3 sisters. Designing and creating has and always will be with me in everything I do. I must thank my family who have helped shape and push me to do and be better in my craft.
Using your own words, how would you describe your brand today?
JT – Designed, sourced and made in Canada the Joseph Tassoni brand is a celebration of Canadian quality, craftsmanship and creativity known for its signature fit.
One of the many reasons why we love your brand is because of your devotion to celebrating Canadian quality (we think it’s amazing that you mentor at Canadian fashion schools). Why is it so important to you to have your pieces designed and crafted in Canada? Why is it important that we recognize Canada?
JT – It is important to support our local economies and to encourage a craft which is disappearing. Many brands will take pieces overseas to offer at a competitive price point. Our approach truly is about Canadian made quality and craftsmanship and in my opinion you can see the difference in the stitch, the pressing, and the overall love and care that are put into my pieces. It is important that we recognize and support Canada as a leading global force in the fashion industry. More specifically in terms of outerwear - I think we understand the cold. I am very much about giving back to the community and mentoring aspiring students wanting to learn more about producing in Canada.
This year you debut your Core Collection, tell us a little bit about it and what really sparked you into creating it?
JT – Growing up in a house with 3 sisters a Mom and a Grandma I have heard every fit issue possible. Seeing their frustration in trying to find proper fitting garments made in Canada never was an option. My Core Collection is inspired by my family where I wanted to create a grouping of pieces that had my signature fit and my love for design.
What can we expect from your Core Collection?
JT - Superior fitting pieces, made of premium fabrics that will keep you warm season to season available in Mens and Ladies sizes XS-4X proudly made in Canada.
We saw your FW18 “Winter Garden - Colors Frozen in Time” collection at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week and it was the perfect combination of elegance and eccentric. What was the inspiration behind it?
JT - I am a story teller and love creating a story around my mythical Queen. I thought to myself "if my Queen was in a winter setting and had a garden how would it bloom and live along winters fierce chill".
In your collection you showcased a wide variety of vibrant colours (especially in the signature Tulip Coat which we’re obsessed with). What pulled you into creating pieces in such an array of vibrant shades?
JT - I love life, I love colour and I love to see people happy. Emotion and passion drives the spirit of my collections and I look forward to showing you more next season.
Everyone was raving about the wigs you used in the show this season, how was it partnering with Redken? What made you decide on using wigs?
JT - Pulling from my theme “Winter Garden – Colors Frozen in Time” I wanted to create seamless looks from Hair to Toe. I wanted the hair to appear as if it were frozen at the root and then bleeding through to the coats. I wanted this showcased through “bobs” as this style of cut would just touch around the edge my coats connecting the hair to the look. I partnered with Redken and its incredible team, lead colorist Cody Alexander & Lead Stylist Cindy Duplantis, to bring my theme to life. I am very thankful to Redken for believing in me, my vision and supporting local.
What do you see in the future for your label? What can we expect in the next few years?
JT - The Joseph Tassoni Brand, is a lifestyle brand. Expect to see our growing core silhouettes with the signature Joseph Tassoni Fit.
Is there any advice you would give to aspiring designers in Toronto, who may be looking to create their own label?
JT – Love what you do!
Let's Get Personal!
How would you describe your personal style?
JT – Classic timeless cuts with that mix of Canadiana ( I have a collection of cowboy boots from Red Deer, AB)
Who would you say you look up to most in the fashion community? Who would you love to collaborate with if given the chance?
JT - I look up to my customers and their continued and devoted support in Canadian Made Product. I am always partnering and collaborating for me its very much about the project I am working on and what inspires me at that moment in time.
What can you be found doing when you aren’t designing?
JT – I am always designing but if you catch me anything else typically its eating! lol
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