We find out what inspires this hot Canadian designer.
After making a splash on season 2 of Project Runway Canada as the flamboyant designer with a habit of sticking his foot in his mouth (defining moment: not knowing who Yves Saint Laurent was), Brandon Dwyer is starting to get noticed for his designs in the real world. He may be a new face in the fashion industry but the truth is Brandon has been designing all his life. “When I was 10 I started drawing girls in different outfits — it was something I did all through high school,” he says. “I didn’t realize I was designing clothes at the time, I just thought I was drawing beautiful women.”
He’s since graduated from childhood doodles to producing full collections, not just for Iman and the PRC gang, but for real women and proving he has the chops at Toronto Fashion Week. For his fall collection, Brandon took inspiration from his BFF, model Andi Muise (of Victoria Secret fame). “I design for women who are confident but not like oh-my-god-I’m-so-hot confident,” he says. “I love women who have a silent confidence about them — my goal is to bring that out.”
If you’re a Project Runway Canada fan, you may think you know all there is know about Brandon but he recently took time out to tackle our infamous Designer DNA questionnaire and you may just be surprised by his answers. Read on to learn about his fashion must-haves, his tattoo collection and the lessons he’s learned this year.
If you could choose an occupation other than your own what would it be?
Definitely a plastic surgeon. If I can’t make girls look good with clothes then I’ll alter their bodies so they look good!
Who are the designers you’re loving right now?
I always love Versace but right this second I’m in-in-IN love with Dsquared2’s style — it’s not my personal style but I LOVE what they do. And I do appreciate YSL.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Obvi” as in “obvious”
What is your most treasured possession?
My family. They’ve always been behind me, supporting me in everything I do. I wouldn’t know what to do without them.
What do you consider your worst trait?
I’m very flighty. Very flighty. So that gets me in trouble sometimes.
More of Brandon's favourites on the next page ...
