Toronto designer Marika Brose always knew she was meant for the fashion world. After doing stints in New York, Paris and Milan doing everything from designing, styling and buying for big names like Bloomingdales, Armani Exchange, Chloe, Jimmy Choo and Prada she’s back in Toronto and making socialites’ dreams come true with BROSE, her new line of modern
cocktail dresses. "It’s all about the girl who loves to go out," says Marika, "She wants to feel like a modern day princess but not all fussy and frilly — it’s modern, structured and easy-fitting. It’s that dress you can’t wait to wear because it makes you feel special every time."
View Marika’s fall collection here.

Already, we can’t wait for her
fall collection — think soft, ethereal and dreamy with elements of dark, moody and structured — to hit the racks, but in the meantime Marika sat down with us to play 20 questions and give you an inside look at the woman behind the brand.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sitting in my favourite café, Le Bar du Marche, in the 6th in St. Germain, Paris, sipping rosé.

What do you consider your worst trait?

I’m a perfectionist. Seriously anal.

If you could choose an occupation other than your own what would it be?

A cat: because they sleep a lot and people pet them all the time.

Who is your style icon?

I’m always influenced by Kate Moss because she’s so simple and effortless and timeless. Also Marilyn Monroe for style or even just attitude. And, of course my mom.

When and where was your last vacation?

I travel for work all the time, but my last real vacation was last summer I went to Croatia for a wedding.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

"I love it!"

In what situations do you lie?

I honestly don’t. It could actually be my other worst trait because I’m very honest. To a fault. You always know exactly where you stand with me.

What is your most treasured possession?

My boyfriend.

What’s your usual?

Champagne.

Heels or flats?

Heels.

More questions on the next page …

Send us your summer style photo and you could win a shopping spree!

iPhone or Blackberry?

Oh, I just got a blackberry. I was neither up until today but I bit the bullet.

Latest beauty discovery?

I read somewhere that Jennifer Aniston uses Preparation H on her face after cleansing and that it makes her look glowing. I’ve been doing it for the last couple of weeks and so far so good!

Fashion trend you wish would disappear?

The ’80s.

How would you describe your personal style?

Easy and effortless but I like simple silhouettes, structure and I tend to dress up so I don’t shy away from wearing a sequin dress to work. I always like to look and feel like a princess.

What is your greatest extravagance?

This is a tough one — there’s way too many! I recently bought a pair of Prada satin rosette pumps for $1200.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being myself. Going through a lot of changes but always sticking to who I am.

What do you most value in your friends?

Consideration and good manners.

Fill in the blanks:

"People think I’m
flighty but I’m really
down to earth."

What is your Twitter policy?

I don’t twitter. But I probably will.

What will you do when you retire?

Move to Greece and open up a B&B.

The BROSE fall/winter 2009 collection will be available at jacflash, Holt Renfrew Bloor Street, Holt Renfrew Yorkdale Mall, and Finn Boutique in Toronto, and Holt Renfrew Montreal; or by special order at www.marikabrose.com.

View Marika’s Fall/Winter 2009 collection here.

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