FASHFEST '16: An Interview with Megan Cannings Design
Q: Hi Megan and congratulations on your fantastic showcase at this year’s Fashfest! What was your favourite moment(s) during this whole experience?
A: The entire process has been a pleasure, from start to finish. I have loved every moment of Canberra’s FASHFEST. It’s such a professional and creative show. Backstage was the best part for me personally. I love behind-the-scenes; watching the hair and makeup process and watching my beautiful models taking selfies once they were dressed. Also finally meeting the Director of Fashion was a high point as she was an absolute angel the whole time.
Q: When did your love of fashion design first blossom and what inspires your designs the most?
A: I have always loved fashion and was always drawing sketches and trying to make garments at a young age. My Aunty used to help me sew when I visited her during school holidays. My inspiration comes from the female form and my gorgeous friends. I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder so attempt to design clothing that appeals to all shapes, sizes and age groups.
Q: We loved your ethereal and feminine collection on the runway! How much hard work goes into each of these garments?
A: A lot of hard work goes in to all my designs because I design and produce everything myself while running a business with my father that involves 60 plus hours a week. Living your dream and paying the bills are two different things. I sew at night and on Sundays. It means I have limited time for anything else but I love being in fashion and wouldn’t change a thing.
Q: We also understand that you are self-taught when it comes to fashion design. Please tell us a little more about this?
A: Yes I am self-taught. My parents paid for sewing lessons but I couldn’t read a pattern and still can’t. They may as well be written in Chinese. My Aunty has always helped me but it has been trial and error. I feel things and just start cutting. In the end something beautiful is there. I struggle with pattern making and the process is long but always worth the time. Generally, people say I work in chaos. My sewing room looks like a bomb has exploded in it 99% of the time.
Q: Lastly, what do you hope the not-too-distant future holds for your career; do you have any exciting, upcoming plans that you would like to share with us?
A: I want to continue to showcase my work at fashion events like FASHFEST and have recently showcased my spring/summer collection at the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival, which was on Saturday 22 October.
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We encourage you to find out more about Megan's stunning fashion label by visiting her website or following along on Facebook and Instagram (@megancannings_clothingdesigner). You can also find out more about her FASHFEST appearance here on the FASHFEST website. Enjoy!
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Photography by We Are Found, Tina Nikolovski, and Jemima Campey - provided by FASHFEST.