Jessie’s Closet: Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Cynner?

Jessie Yang | Aug 11, 2013 | Comments 0

Hello lovelies! This week I had a chance to interview one of my favourite designers from Toronto: Veruca Cyn! Her style is so edgy and other-worldly beautiful, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you this up and coming Canadian designer that’s taking the world by storm!

Nightmare & Fairytales
Photographer: DerWei Chan
Lighting Tech: Steve Chokas
Creative Direction/Styling: Tasha Farrington of Pretty Deadly Stylz
MUA: Christina of Sinner Saint Artistry
HAIR: Lisa Tuff
Models:
Jenna Fawcett & Nico Deilgat
Featured jewellery:
HAUS OF REGALIA
HAUS OF NEITH
Designers:
Veruca Cyn (polka dot gown)
Starkers Corsetry

Jessie: Hi Veruca! So tell us about yourself, what’s your background and what got you into fashion design in the first place?

Veruca Cyn: My background is fashion techniques and design, but my ethnic background is mixed half Vietnamese and half Chinese. Originally I wanted to become a painter, but society’s system at the time when I was still 11 frowned upon artists. My family did not approve of my interest in chasing the subject of art, and constantly used Van Gogh as a reference of a failing artistic figure. Later on as I went through high school, and there came the time to choose a career; I discovered the job position of a fashion designer. Reading into the description of what a fashion designer was entitled to do, felt very much like being a painter- except I was painting with colored fabrics, and unlike displaying the finished works on walls; they were displayed on everyday walking people who integrated perfectly into society. This is how I came to be a fashion designer.

Jessie: There are so many aspiring designers out there, how do you separate your designs from theirs? What makes you stand out?

Veruca Cyn: I believe my designs are distinguishable from others, because I do not focus nor anchor my visions based on aesthetics. Rather I focus on my philosophy towards the brand of Veruca Cyn. Every design that is created must echo and resonate the spirit and message of what being a Cynner is all about. Visually by looking at my creations, it must harmonize with the belief of the overall brand that Veruca Cyn stands for- which is perseverance, optimism, introspection and an unwavering trait of never ending curiosity to question the world around us, why things are the way it is. Then taking this observation, and making a change.

Nothing in life is ever definite, but it is our responsibility to be aware of our own actions, and how they affect people and the things around us. In becoming aware of the choices we make, how we choose to react, even in the slightest ways means that Veruca Cyn has accomplished what it has set out to do. I am here to question people, things, and life- because I believe as long as we are individually aware of what our intentions are, many negative events can be avoided. In the same instance it can cause just as many positive events to be created in its place.

My Collaboration with Veruca Cyn
Photographer: Julius and James
MUA: Rita Stirpe

Jessie: Wow, that is quite beautiful. I totally agree with focussing on the brand itself instead of pure aesthetics. Now, what has been the most memorable experience for you on this journey as a fashion designer?

Veruca Cyn: It is very hard to pinpoint exactly one particular memorable experience. What I can do is to clump up feelings I’ve constantly manifested, within each wonderful encounter and stage of my design career. Constantly, almost every time; I always feel overwhelming gratefulness. I cross paths with many energetic, passionate and burning souls and their drive and ambition and happiness in what they love to do glows all around them. Whenever I am surrounded with people of such sorts, I feel recharged, inspired and in ever lasting awe. It is very touching to know and witness there are many others like myself, who live for the sake of self expression. The desire to do whatever it takes to communicate a thought, and translate it into a visual entity for many to be able to observe.

A lot of the times, it feels almost sacred, if that word isn’t too sensitive to be used, as if I’ve encountered ancient souls that have been given a calling to their existence and are carrying them out to the best of their abilities. There is a lot of “going against the grain”, a lot of mental pressure, social pressure, and reputation to uphold in ways. All at the same time, none of these exist. Because in order to be able to do what it is I do, just like many others like myself- we need to be able to see beyond what is in front of us and believe in what could be.

So it would be best to tell you my most memorable experience is to constantly be reminded of, and to have the pleasure of being able to enter and live in an alternate realm. Away from what “reality” has been written down for us in society; alongside with other talents in order for us to be able to create and do what it is we do best.

Jessie: I love that! Who/what do you look up to as inspiration?

Veruca Cyn: I draw my inspirations from conversations I have with people around me; I like to question morals and ethics. Historical figures, and people who make significant changes to the world, as well as ancient stories, mythologies and old sites. Fairytales, horror tales, spirits and paranormal and foreign. Space, science, religion. Movies new and old, news, comics, manga, anime, cartoon. Existence is my fuel for inspiration, all things eccentric and odd would be the best way to describe it.

Jessie: For those who are thinking of getting into the industry, can you give them an approximate budget to open up a business/store of their own? How much does it cost to be a fashion designer?

Veruca Cyn: You know, when I first started as a designer, I was trying to figure out this million dollar question. The answer is: There is no right answer. How much it costs, how much the budget all depends on the individual. Do they want to start big? Start small? Are they looking to hire somebody to sew and design the clothing from them? What angle are they coming from towards entering the fashion world? Do they wish to do the business managing aspect of fashion, or do they wish to be sewing their own creations? Will it be mass produced, or will it be one of a kind commissioned pieces. What sort of materials do they plan to be using, would it be affordable fabrics like cotton (well the lower end quality) or expensive fabric like silks, chiffons and leather? Will the shop be online, or an actual existing one? There will be rent to take care of if that is the case. Are they working from home, or working at a rented studio with machinery already covered.

My best answer is: Do your research. Find out what it is you want from your business, that is what will define how you will approach it and answer what it is that you will need to achieve it. All materials are for us to gain, it is just a matter of time and how we choose to obtain the currency to buy them. The rest comes down to our imagination, and our strategy to execute it making it a reality.

Jessie: That’s very true, everyone is different so there is really no “one size fits all”! Where do you see yourself in the industry 5 years from now?

Veruca Cyn: This is a very good question. I am still figuring that out hahaha! No matter what happens down the line, 5 years or 10 years from now, I always want to be in a position where I can design, create, and express. To be able to communicate and manifest my visions into reality is my permanent goal.

Wearing “Monochromatic Shanghai” halter dress.
Photography: Rhett Morita
Model: Rabbit Racer

Jessie: Thank you for this unwavering desire to create and express, as your artworks contribute to the beauty of the world we live in and sheds light on some very interesting aspects of humanity. Any last words you want to say to your supporters?

Veruca Cyn:: I am forever grateful and joyously blessed to have you all believe in me, my visions, and my work. I am also very thankful for all the passionate souls I have encountered in my life up until now, for they have helped bring my visions forward. It all starts off with one ripple, and many beautiful hands to help make it happen. Jessie you are also one of these wonderful people. Thank you for crossing paths in my life, and thank you for this interview. It has brought a lot of new perspective and shed light on parts of myself that I have never questioned before. It is truly a pleasure.

For more of Veruca, visit her website: VerucaCyn.com