Upon my arrival at The Toronto Fashion incubator in downtown Toronto, I anxiously awaited my meeting with designer Paris Li. Our weekly conversations were starting to become a pattern of cat and mouse, and this time I was ready to see what Paris had in store for spring 2011. As I entered a hidden building, I was buzzed in very quickly. “We finally meet” Paris said as she greeted me with open arms. At that moment I knew that this meeting was going to be one of many. She greeted me with the same excitement and energy that I had received over our phone conversations where we always discussed fashion, clothes and her collection. Promptly making our way to her design studio, she had prepared her spring collection for a full viewing. The collection was everything I expected; vibrant and colourful, just in time for spring!

I sifted through clothes and envisioned Sunday brunches, late evening drinks with friends, casual strolls throughout the busy Toronto streets and beyond. The colourful collection seemed endless. Carefully designed and made for the fashion forward business woman with an edge, and an ever present fun side. The assortment of playful and colourful dresses ranged from pinks, silver, blue, purples and yellows with prints that were none the less eye catching.

“Where do you get your inspiration from?” I asked Paris. “It’s never something big with me. I’m not inspired by a time period or a style of dressing, its little things that seem to add up and take me in a particular direction. I was inspired by the “feeling” of spring...the rhythm of spring and summer...the clouds, the waves, and the water. Origami continues to inspire me. I’m sure its the source of my passion for pleating. I could see this collection in my mind, every colour and detail of it, even before I went looking for fabrics.”

“You sound like a true artist”, I said. She quickly responded, “It’s a feeling. Each of my works is an art piece. It’s lived, just like an artist’s painting. If I wasn’t a designer, I would be a painter”.

Art and fashion are usually connected to each other. I continue to sort through items that catch my eye and what I know will be a big hit in boutiques this spring. Paris has already sold half of her collection, if not all of her spring items, to Toronto Boutiques and clients who are notorious fans of her work and her figure flattering silhouettes. “These clothes are catered to a certain type of woman…” I catch myself saying. Paris almost finishes my sentence and says “Yes, I see the woman who wears my clothes as a strong, independent woman, between 25-50 who has confidence and wants to wear something unique”. ‘Unique’ is a good word, I think quietly.

I eventually find myself trying on fall pieces that were also on display. My eyes wander to the silk, printed dresses and Paris informs me that “I fell in love with these laser printed silks! The look is modern... but the way I’ve used it makes the overall effect soft and feminine”. I find myself embracing each of her designs effortlessly. I ask Paris if Chinese culture has any influence in the way she designs or makes clothes for the Canadian market. “They are vastly different but similar in many ways. Love and beauty are the common theme in both cultures. However, Canadian and Chinese cultures express them in their own fashion styles. China's rich history and eastern philosophy has taught me to seek the balance, sophistication, and harmony in each of my designs. On the other hand, Canada’s beauty, nature, and idea of practicality have driven my creation to be natural, original, and attainable. I am currently working on fusing the two cultures together”.

Paris has a determined spirit about her, that I am sure helps her attract some of her most loyal followers and clients. Our casual meeting takes on a new direction to somewhat of a miniature fashion show. As I slowly try on one piece to another, Paris tells me her inspiration behind certain pieces. “When I began to think about pieces, images of flowers, clouds, and rivers kept coming to mind. I decided to follow this direction. This is the colour of spring”.

Fashion has always been seen to me as art. It is a way for true artist to find an outlet to create their designs and to influence those around them. Paris has proven that wherever you may find beauty whether it is in a far away country or in your back yard, fashion will continue to inspire and the possibilities are endless.