Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Fashion Designer

Melissa Taylor of "Love, Deming" brings a sense of personal history and purpose to everything she touches, right down to the name of her collection. Born in Chilliwack, her family moved to the U.S. eventually settling in the small town of Deming at the foot of Mount Baker. Love, Deming is the signature on a letter from this small town.

Taylor began her design career making Pound Puppy costumes. At point one point her very talented mother decided to run a sewing class for a small group of girls. They learned hand and machine stitching, how to read a pattern and had a fashion show at the end of the year. "Actually my first outfit was super cute, I would wear it today." But living in a small town didn't encourage big dreams, so several years were spent trying a variety of jobs. A drummer, she even spent 4 years in a 3-girl punk rock band called "The Temper Tantrums" that was signed in Los Angeles.

Then came a visit to Vancouver where her direction changed. Taylor loved Vancouver - the music, the environment and the people. "I felt I could grown my name and grow what I wanted (to become)." After an apprenticeship, she worked as a stylist for Mood's Hair Salon making connections and gaining experience in the fashion industry with photo shoots, runway shows, and a trip to New York. Taking a sabbatical from work Taylor spent 2 months volunteering in Mexico with Homes of Hope building homes for the poor. On her return it was time to pursue a long-time passion and with a strong push from her former mentor, "Love, Deming" was born. While it started in the living room of her family home and included her mother and sister it is now a sole enterprise.

The Love, Deming Fall 2007 line is named Dear Ines in tribute to her grandmother, Ines Tolmie. "She supported me from the beginning and writes me letters…I wanted to do something…for her." Tussah silk, bamboo knit and organic cotton are used to create this appealing 13-piece collection in shades of cream, taupe, cornflower blue, jewel red, olive, grey, black and navy. The line has a vintage feel with unique details taken from old patterns Taylor had acquired. One piece that stands out is the Betty Jean - a soft, comfortable bamboo knit dress in black with raspberry piping. Inspiration for Spring 2008 arrived when she fell in love. This larger 26-piece collection called "Be Engaging" was shown in Montreal Fashion week on October 9th to great reviews. The look is softer, lighter, feminine and romantic. The palette includes fuschia, teal, lime, grey, and off-white as well as a few prints such as a new floral cotton that is hand block printed in a small village in India.

Taylor would like Love, Deming to be unique in the industry. "I want it to be different in how I treat people…in how I relate with my store owners…and my customers. I want to…build this relationship with each of them." As well, she would like to make a difference on a global scale. For now this means being involved in KIVA (www.kiva.org) which lets individuals support a business venture of their choice in a 3rd world country. Love, Deming is available in Canada and the U.S. In Vancouver it can be found at Eugene Choo and Organix and on-line at www.lovedeming.com.