Fanshawe grad shows summer-inspired collection at LG Fashion Week
But this year, the Project Runway Canada alum debuted a full spring/summer 2010 collection that garnered praise from critics at the National Post and CTV.
“It's really exciting, everything seemed to run smoothly,” he said of the show.
His Hamptons-inspired designs featured beach-y splashes of turquoise, orange, and white, flowing jersey dresses and bustier, bedazzled gowns.
While other designers may have felt their pieces should reflect the current economic climate — Dwyer said it didn't weigh too heavily into his creations. Instead, his designs seemed to evoke a feeling of a carefree beach party full of beautiful people. Naturally, they were influenced by his trips to such a location in the Hamptons, in Long Island, New York and Cuba.
In his collection there is one area he is clearly passionate about and drawn to designing: dresses — whether it's a slinky sheath or a floor-grazing number, he knows the female form.
“I know that girls like to feel sexy,” he said. “Girls of all sizes want that bit of attention.”
With the success of his very wearable spring/summer collection, Dwyer is already focused on the future.
He's encouraged by the careers of fellow Canadian designers, Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared2, and their global recognition. “They inspire me to keep going,” said Dwyer.
Currently, Dwyer is looking into everything from purses to his autumn/winter collection. He's even already found the inspiration, but will only hint that it's a painter. Yet while he is aiming at making his brand bigger and better, he still remembers his time at Fanshawe and believes it provided him the tools for his current success. While other designers may come from more well-known programs at Ryerson, Dwyer believes being at a smaller college gave him an advantage.
