“The thing is, being a mom is my future, I really like it, she’s my life. I have my “baby”: the collection, but Olivia is the most important for me. She brings me positivity.” – Melissa Nepton on the birth of her daughter, Olivia. 

Melissa Nepton has had a phenomenal year to say the least. She gave birth to her beautiful baby girl, Olivia, won Target’s Emerging Designer Award accompanied with a $25,000 check and unveiled her MELISSA NEPTON x TARGET collection last month which hit Quebec Target stores on December 8th. This is the first collaboration of its kind in the province. Prices range from $29.99  – $69.99 and the styles are of course infused with Melissa Nepton’s signature sporty chic flair.

The secret to her success? A phenomenal team. “It’s all about teamwork! I have a small team and we work hard. It’s not just me. I design, I cut, I work on the models, but overall I have a great team.” said the grateful designer.

I’ve followed Nepton‘s career for three season’s now and I must say that I admire her passion and dedication. She has created a distinctive aesthetic which is embedded in every piece she designs.

I caught up with Nepton after her Montreal and Toronto Fashion Week shows! Here is what she had to say.

FWAC: Why did you choose to show in both Montreal and Toronto? How have the two experiences been? 

MN: Montreal is my home so have to keep in touch, but I also need to develop my presence in Toronto. Showing here [in Toronto] was less stressful than Montreal but it was less exciting. In Montreal, I was like oh my gosh, I’m not sure but today [in Toronto] I was more comfortable.

FWAC: What inspired this collection?

MN: It was inspired by Japanese style from the 80’s and the 90’s. We took some things like kimonos, Japanese pants, and worked around them. All of the graphics were created around Japan and computer pixels. So the collection is a bit futuristic and techno which is a big trend right now. It’s also sporty like me and it will always be like that – comfy and athletic, some seasons more chic than others, but always athletic.

FWAC: Tell us about the fabrics you used?

MN: I used natural silk patterns. I also found  a silk organza with cotton squares on the same fabric. I really like the contrast of textures. I work a lot with shine and matte combinations.

FWAC: Who is Melissa Nepton’s customer?

MN:  My customers are stylish, professional women here in Canada. My fashion show is 50% show-pieces and the other 50% are commercial pieces. The age group is around 35-55. The price point is very low, it’s around $120 to $300. It’s not so expensive.

FWAC: What advice would you give to someone who would want to follow in your footsteps?

MN: I would tell them to be strong, have the knowledge, and work for someone else for two years, three years, seven years even! And after that, if you still want it, go for it. Definitely work for someone else first because you need to see what it is like. I worked seven years in the industry before launching my line, so I knew what I liked and what I didn’t like. Also seeing the business side is very important.

FWAC: Would you say that working with Target has helped your career?

MN: In the future I’m sure. In the US, you know when you tie the name Target with Melissa Nepton it gives you more notoriety. With a company like Macy’s, for example, who doesn’t know you. They would say: “you are a small designer.” But when they see that you have a collection with Target then they will think: “Ok.”  It’s definitely a plus.

FWAC: Do you have a cause that is dear to your heart?

MN: Yes, cancer for sure, … and Alzheimer are the most important causes for me.

Her fall / winter essential for women: Big pants in chiffon. “They’re easy to wear and different. So forget the skinny jeans.” she says!

Stay Conscious & Chic!

 

 

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Photo Credits: © Aleyah Solomon for Fashion With A Conscience.Â