Words by Kimberly Haddad
@weardorianwho | dorianwho.com
BASIC: Tell us about the meaning behind this vibrant collection and what inspired you to bring it to life?
DORIAN WHO: The collection “Who’s Who” depicts various personas of Dorian and her style. The focus of this collection is on the pant. As a consumer, Dorian always looked for unique and interesting pants, but could never find what she was looking for. As a result, she came up with a collection that is centered around “the pant”. The fabrics used are wool, velvet, cotton, organza and jersey. With these materials, Doriancreated voluminous and unconventionally shaped pants. Traditional-meets-futuristic best describes the collection. The mixture of velvet, tulle and neon aids in creating a visually dynamic fashion statement. The challenge of this collection was to make these bold and eccentric looks wearable.
BASIC: If there was a soundtrack to your collection, what three songs would we hear?
DORIAN WHO: “Homogenic” by Bjork, “Human” by Sevdaliza and “Midnight Market” by Hong Kong Express.
BASIC: What is one of your most defining moments in life and how has it influenced your career?DORIAN WHO: When I moved to Toronto four years ago from Istanbul, I thought life would be easier and I could find my dream job working for other designers, gaining some experiences and then launching my own clothing line. I applied for so many companies, but they didn’t hire me and it made me really upset because I didn’t know why they wouldn’t give me opportunities. I got to a point where I thought I was over-qualified and had to create the job that I wanted, so I decided to launch my brand and that was the best decision ever. Today, I am the creative director of my clothing line and on Canada’s best-dressed list of 2019. I am working hard for my dream and am very excited about my future.
BASIC: If you could have your very own fashion show in any place in the world, where would it be and why?
DORIAN WHO: I was born and raised in Iran and it was always my dream to have a show in Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. I wish I could do a show there because I could show the beauty of my motherland to the whole world. I see so many designers who are into Middle Eastern culturenowadays and it makes me sad that we, as Iranians, cannot represent the beauty of our country and culture as we want.
BASIC: What kinds of emotions or reactions do you hope people will have when wearing your collection?
DORIAN WHO: Very confident, strong and unique.
BASIC: What does fashion mean to you?
DORIAN WHO: Fashion is power and voice. My style can speak for me. Fashion is more than what’s on the surface; it gives me a chance to share a different part of myself with the world, the part on the inside. The beauty of clothes is that a killer outfit can do all of the talking for you. Your style can allow you to speak up without saying a word, and this is why what I wear means so much to me. And it’s not just about how you look. I love the way that I feel in my best outfits. Fashion allows me to express different parts of myself and helps me figure out which parts feel authentic.
BASIC: Describe your brand in three words.DORIAN WHO: Edgy, street and avant-garde. BASIC: Tell us about a collection or design you’ve always wanted to create, but still hasn’t become a reality.
DORIAN WHO: I have always wanted to collaborate with Nike and make a capsule collection for them.
