With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Ryerson University (1995) Toronto-based Eryn Reid took a leap into the fashion scene with flirtatious and fashion-forward clothing for both men and women.

Debuting in 2001, her collection celebrates fantasy and fun with a liberal dose of wit, which is clearly not lost on the fashion media (Eryn Reid has been featured on both Fashion Television and Fashion File.) Hand-painting most of her fabrics, silhouettes range from classical to vintage looks.

“Spicy Tuna” the quirky title of her sixth show, Spring 2005, saw butter yellow and white gingham dresses with wasabi green stenciled flowers for women and orange ginger surfer shorts for men. “I’ve established myself as a designer for men and women who like to think outside of the box,” she says. “When you put on an Eryn Reid, you know you’re going to have a good time.” ($80-$1700, available at Joave, 507 Church St, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 2C9 416-923-5575, The Blue Angel, 2237 Bloor W, Toronto, Ont M6S 1N7, 416-763-2098, or online at www.style-finds.com)

Photography courtesy of David Hou