10 Calgary Designers to Watch: Maria Orduz Pinto

Label: Maria Orduz Pinto
Signature Style: Cocktail dresses inspired by architecture and detailed with bold asymmetrical seams

Maria Orduz Pinto opts for simple fabrics and intricate seam details to create visual interest in her figure-hugging mini-dresses. “I want my work to be known for its construction,” says the Colombian-born designer. After graduating from George Brown College in Toronto, she debuted her spring 2010 collection at Alberta Fashion Week. Orduz Pinto also designed costumes for a surrealist video project, The Subliminal Rabbit Presents, which is due out this fall. While the feathers, glitter and kaleidoscope of colours in the costumes are a departure from Orduz Pinto’s usual designs, they hint at the range of this young designer.

mariaorduzpinto.com

Sarah Shell
Label: 442 McAdam
Signature Style: High-end handbags designed with Bohemian elegance

Colleen Pound
Label: Fleur Féminine
Signature style: Classic, tailored career wear for the curvy woman sizes 12 to 24

Haithem Elkadiki
Label: KaaDiki
Signature Style: Preppy menswear with a dose of sex appeal.

Caitlin Power
Label: Caitlin Power
Signature Style: Dresses, jumpsuits and separates for the edgy career woman 

Devon Clark
Label: Devon Clark Metal Design
Signature style: Handmade art deco-style jewellery with colourful enamel detailing

Leo Casuga Jr.
Label: Details by Leo Casuga Jr.
Signature style: Street couture for the young professional, with funky bowties and ascots

Adejoke Taiwo
Label: ÀLALÁ
Signature Style: Structured separates and dresses in African prints

Laura George
Label: Laura George
Signature Style: Modern bridal wear that is heavy on romance, with a hint of costume design

Lara Presber
Label: Lara Presber Clothing
Signature style: Architecture-inspired women’s wear in environmentally friendly fabrics