Flashin’ Fashion with Dean Renwick

I want a tattoo like that…/Haley Klassen

Go from hobo to high fashion

Article: Kaitlynn Nordal

In between his shows and designing his new line, Dean Renwick took a second to talk to The Carillon about what influences him in his fashion career and what it is like to design for people such as actor Kiefer Sutherland.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do?

I knew at the age of eight when I first started sewing Barbie Doll clothes that I had a talent, and I really liked working with fabric. In grade school I had a grade eight teacher named Ms. Flett, and she was an impeccable dresser. I admired everything she wore. I would find myself in her class sketching dresses instead of doing my work. Her sense of style and taste was a big influence on me as well as at the time, the Sonny and Cher Show was on [television] on Sunday nights, and I always loved to see what Cher was wearing. It influenced me later in my senior year when I needed to pick a fashion college, and I realized I wanted to be in Hollywood. I wanted to be amongst glamour, so I chose the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in downtown LA.

Who do you idolize fashion-wise?

One of my favourite designers right now is a gentleman named Ralph Rucci. I love the clean lines and minimal aesthetic. I also love a lot of the designers from the ‘50s; Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Schiaparelli: the true masters of Couture.

Who influences your work?                    

My influences come from all over. Some things come to me because of things that I did or saw as a child, sometimes it’s the amazing colours of this province during the summer, maybe a fashion layout, or sometimes it’s the imagination of my clients and their wants and needs.

You have designed for people such as actor Kiefer Sutherland. What was that like?

Designing for some of the stars I have worked for has always been a great experience. The one thing you really get to know is that they are just the same as you and me with just the same amount of hang-ups and insecurities as the rest of us but in a more public way.

What is a piece of clothing or jewellery you believe everyone should have this season?

This season women need to lose those big hobo bags and opt for something a little more streamlined and tailored. I love a good metallic in a shoe, or a trench coat, or maybe just a straight skirt in metallic leather! And, as I always say, “Lose the black.” Add colour to your life, and you will notice a big difference in how you feel, look, and are noticed by others!

In two or three words summarize your fashion line. 

Clean pure line and pure fit!

To look at Dean Renwick’s designs, head to http://www.deanrenwick.ca/ and never forget that there’s always a reason to wear a Renwick.