Freedom of Expression:
David Dixon

Toronto designer David Dixon has found inspiration for his Spring 2009 collection in Nelson Mandela’s renowned autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom.”

“It’s basically taken from the final paragraph of his book so for me it was an inspiration just in terms of the wording of it,” says Dixon.

“It was just interesting how even though we have certain freedoms, they bring responsibilities and keeping on track of what you believe in. That’s what I’m going to try and interpret through my collection.”

This freedom of expression will translate into Dixon’s designs through a mixture of textures and patterns that have a tribal feel but are not looks that people would typically associate with Africa.

Instead Dixon is playing with a lot of raw fabrication -- cutting up leather or attaching beadwork -- and is keeping the silhouettes quite modern and wearable.

“The fabrics are very textural and I’m using leather and chiffons and all-natural,” says Dixon.

Dixon will also add an intense hibiscus red to his trademark black and white base.

The eveningwear for the collection will emulate this sense of ease and freedom of movement.

“I go back to that word again, ‘freedom,’ because that seems to be like sort of a spearhead of one of the collection’s themes. It’s not over the top and fussy, it’s something you can put on and it’s just easy dressing.”

As someone who leads a very busy life, Dixon understands this is also characteristic of his customers.

“They need something that is simple but elegant at the same time interesting.”

Even though Dixon read Mandela’s book some time ago, he says it’s not uncommon to have inspiration just pop up out of nowhere.

“This has been in my conscious for a while. It’s just the time I feel right about doing that and sort of exploring that avenue of more of an African tribal, but modern at the same time,” he says.

Dixon thinks everyone can relate to Nelson Mandela and the strife he experienced. He doesn’t want to trivialize his experiences by putting it into fashion but says the man is an inspiration for a lot of people.

The collection also exudes a sense of calmness -- much like Mandela -- and is applicable to the tumultuous economic times, says Dixon.

“It’s not about splash and glamour, it’s about understated elegance,” says Dixon.

Dixon says the collection definitely stays true to his style.

“For me it’s all about a progression of an aesthetic, as opposed to re-inventing the wheel ... it’s about a story that continues to grow. One leads into the next that leads into the next and that’s how I think it’s developed a certain look and a certain aesthetic. But I sort of always have that room for exploration as well.”

By Sheri Block, CTV.ca

CTV and FashionTelevision Present L'Oreal FashionWeek.

Freedom of Expression: David Dixon

Freedom of Expression:
David Dixon