Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Fashion Designer

"PaperBird is a small independent clothing company…factory-free focusing on quality fabrics and construction." This brief statement from her website sums up so much of what I learned about designer Merida Anderson. She is a quiet force; who speaks softly and well. She is very focused and confident in whom she is and what she is trying to accomplish. PaperBird is an extension of her creative ideas and her social consciousness. Born in North Vancouver, Anderson was a free-spirited student who found her niche in high school enrolling in every art class offered and teaching herself to sew at home. "When I started sewing, I would just cut out a shape and say 'this looks like pants. Hey mom, do you think if I folded it over like this and folded it over like this…and sewed it here…would it make pants?' and my mom would refuse to help me" because she was a by-the-book seamstress. On completion of high school Anderson was to attend NACAD to study art, but decided it was the wrong choice for her. Despite the fact she did not enjoy being a student and disliked rulers, she entered the Fashion Design program at VCC. Drafting classes were obviously a big challenge in the beginning, but she endured and has come to enjoy the process. "I have this conscience and I think about everything, like how much garbage I throw away." Concerned about her ecological footprint, she strives to produce quality pieces out of natural fabrics that are classics and can be a part of your wardrobe for a lifetime. Unlike other designers, her goal is not to be big conglomerate mass-producing garments, but to simply provide herself a modest living doing what she loves. The Fall 2007 line is small, consisting of only 6 garments including 2 dresses, 2 blouses, a skirt and a coat. All pieces are reminiscent of the 1960's in their simplicity and have signature loop ties as a detail. Wool is a favorite fabric because it is versatile and wearable almost year round in our climate. The emphasis is on quality, not quantity. Muted in color the garments are created with a unique 1-step finishing seam that conceals all raw edges. The Wool Wrap Coat stands out as a must have for every wardrobe. Spring 2008 could see a larger line offered, possibly including an original silkscreen print and some pieces in collaboration with her new design partner. Locally PaperBird is available at One of a Few and Lark. More information can be found at her website, www.paperbirdclothing.com