Alissa Segal's Liminality creates harmony between the sexes
Alissa Segal’s pursuit of an education in fashion has taken her around the world. Her design aesthetic and view of fashion are heavily inspired by her travels and the people she’s met along the way. Segal chooses to design for those who are fearless in their fashion. She has a background in fine arts and believes that fashion too is an art form. Segal’s line, Liminality, is based on finding harmony between masculinity and femininity.
Liminality 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.
Jamie Dawes: Describe your collection.
Alissa Segal: My collection is a unisex lined called Liminality. It’s based on the concept that gender is a construct. Unlike androgyny, which is used to dramatize cross-gender tensions, this line is meant to create harmony between the two. I think most unisex lines tend to be more male-oriented, or too basic, so it was important that mine represented both genders fairly.
Photo: green bridesmaid dresses
JD: What was the inspiration behind your line?
AS: I went on a school exchange to the University of the Creative Arts in England. During a class titled history and theory, one of my teachers had remarked that she had not seen anyone do a unisex line. After all I had learnt in that class about gender roles and feminism, I jumped at the opportunity. I have always had an interest in the history of fashion and looking at why we wear the garments that we do. My final project was the ideal opportunity to explore that fascination in a more concrete manner.
JD: Can you tell me about your creative process?
AS: I try to let things come to me more subconsciously than consciously. When I was in England, I had a lecture that I think about every time I take up something creative. My teacher, who had already made a name for himself in the London fashion industry, spoke to us about finding inspiration. He said it was important for designers to always be constantly inundated by whatever you might find stimulating. Inspiration must be a major part of your surroundings and your work, and then things will come to you much more easily and more organically. This lecture resonated with me and I have tried to integrate this method into my work—so much so that I have even had garment ideas come to me in my dreams.
JD: What have you learned at KPU?
AS: I think KPU’s strength comes from the teachers. I think the teachers understand each student’s individual capabilities and will push them until they achieve what they believe they are truly capable of. I think most people go into fashion school having the creative aspect down, but aren’t really sure how to turn that into a tangible garment. I came to KPU with so many ideas in my head of what I wanted to create, but not entirely sure how to do so. Most of the time, it’s more frustrating to turn fantasy into reality and you might fail more than a few times before getting it right. However, once you do get it right it is one of the best feelings in the world. KPU has taught me to turn my ideas into something real.
JD: What are your plans after graduation?
AS: After graduation I plan to stay in Vancouver for a few years. I am flexible and do not mind a job in either design or production. At this point, I would like to get my foot in the door of the industry and gain experience. The most important thing for me is to work for someone I believe in and maintain my integrity.
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