FOCUS SHIFTS TO WOMENSWEAR WITH THIS COLLECTION
Story by Odessa Paloma Parker
Photos by Mark Binks
Sid Neigum has had a pretty great year. Winner of the TFI New Labels competition last spring, the designer has worked hard to solidify his point of view with much success.
Breaking on to the scene with his androgynous mix of leather and knits a few seasons ago, Neigum has now turned towards a softer side of design, and the result was an ethereal array of shirting, draped dresses, blazers and jackets, and a few sweaters and cardigans to top it all off. His inspiration – a “fashion enthusiast who would collect clothes, rather than just have them to wear them” – would feel very much at ease in the clean, minimal lines and artful layering.
While his S/S13 collection was more commercial than those past – Neigum recalls the guidance he received from mentors at the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), and their recommendation that he bridge the gap between his artistic inclinations and a universal appeal – there was nothing boring or bland about it.
With nuanced details like raw-edged leather and asymmetrically cut hems, Neigum maintained his edge. “There’s a lot of basic pieces,” he noted after the show. “And I tried to make them as interesting as I can, [to] make them clean and modern, and style them in a way that’s more editorial.”
The colour palette – ranging from stark white to pale blues and greys, to deep lavender and finally black – was Neigum’s way of bringing his seasonless style into the warmer months.
Neigum’s directional turn has paid off – he mentioned that he’s picked up new stores in Korea, Edmonton and New York with this new collection; hopefully, as he gathers more notice worldwide, he’ll be able to further temper the commercial aspect of design with his distinct vision and inclinations.
