Meet the Makers: Christopher Paunil
Label: CHRISTOPHER PAUNIL
Designer Name(s): Christopher Paunil
Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario
Zodiac sign: Libra
Year you created your label: 2010
Describe your label in three words
Modern, romantic, refined.
What made you first want to be a designer?
I used to watch my grandmother sew for herself when I was young. I remember watching Fashion Television and falling in love with how diverse fashion was even in the 90’s with all the colours, fabrics, and how each designer was like a fingerprint – unique and their own. I then fell in love with bridal as I worked for a bridal designer and thought I could do this for myself with my own twist and take on the ever-changing world of bridal. Our evening collection is really more glamorous, sexy, and a fun expression of my design.
When you decided to become designer, what is one thing you had no idea you’d have to do?
I think everyone sees the client-facing side of fashion: the fast-paced, glamorous side. I really didn’t know when I started just how complex this business is from the over 50 different areas we actually work to manage.
If you could have anyone in the world wear your collection, who would it be?
I think that changes and stays constant at the same time; there’s always new energy and talent emerging. Of anyone, I’d love to dress Emily Blunt and Tina Turner –“Simply the Best” is my anthem.
What is one place or location that inspires you?
Spain really is number one for me. I was recently at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and the people and culture of Spain is just magical – not to mention the beaches of Sitges are fun and relaxed, which is a way for me and my team to recharge.
What would you consider the highlight of your career so far?
This past fall we were engaged to create seven custom bespoke bridal party gowns for Gucci Mane’s wedding to Keyisha K’Aoir-Davis. That was a blast and working with them and their team was really exciting. We had seven days and we delivered excellently – this was a huge team effort.
What are you most looking forward to about Toronto Fashion Week, in collaboration with RE\SET™?
Toronto Fashion Week is quickly becoming like TIFF – a key happening in our amazing city’s calendar. The buzz around Toronto is growing and we are honoured to be a part of that excitement. It also brings together all of our clients to celebrate and be the first to see our new collection. I love TFW because it brings together our team for a high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled week of intensity.
A big aspect for us is working with THE COLLECTIONS™ / RESET™ platform which has really help propel us forward both locally and globally. We have a really incredible partnership with Herman-Sellers-Gough Furs which is presenting our show this season and we have some design collaborations which we cannot wait to showcase on the runway with them. Lastly, I’m really excited about is the CAFA collaboration this year where we are working with Ariel Coplan of Bar Reyna and he’s creating a unique dessert inspired by one of our dresses. I can’t wait to taste his creation.
Christopher Paunil is showing at 9:00pm on September 5th, 2018 at Yorkville Village (136 Yorkville Avenue).
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