Christopher Massardo
Jessica Biffi (above) is a name that should at least ring a bell and if for some reason to you it doesn’t, pick up a magazine, turn on the television or check out one of Canada’s latest runways, because she is everywhere. Jessica was gracious enough to take time from her very busy schedule to answer a few questions and share her experiences thus far in the fantastic world of fashion.
Jessica Biffi Women’s Wear campaign
A student from Toronto’s Ryerson University it would almost seem as though everything was perfectly planned out from day one. At a very early age Jessica had a great connection with fashion “I was always kind of drawn to it as a kid” Biffi admits. “I remember watching a runway show on fashion television with my mom, at the end of the show the designer came out to the end and I was like ‘what’s the deal with the person’?” She went on that “my mom then explained to me it was the designer and that’s when I realized you could do that as a job!”
Her passion followed her through high school and into her post secondary studies and it was there she started hearing about Project Runway Canada. “I watched the American version and I remember being in school.” She continued that she” had a friend who knows a person, who knew a person that had said a Canadian edition, was coming”.
Menswear Campaign
Eventually it was revealed that the rumours were true and a mass email was sent out to Ryerson. Biffi auditioned for season one but didn’t make it. Season two came around and Biffi was this time invited to audition and naturally she made it on the show. Though stressful Biffi says that “I’ve always wanted to do this, Project Runway gave me a great view of what I wanted and great opportunities”.
Now it’s nearly two years after the show finished airing and Biffi is flourishing. Since the show Biffi has done two seasons of collections for Addition-Elle as well as her own line which has showed at Toronto and Ottawa fashion weeks. Biffi adds also that “this season I started my online store “, which adds onto her already growing empire.
Regarding Biffi’s most recent campaign, it has a strong theme and has a nautical feel to it, when asked Biffi explained that “there is a love there, I was playing with the idea of mermaids” Biffi continues that “spring is very whimsy and playful while fall is more texture and edge”. Biffi comments that “I like to follow forecasting, but not to the letter”.
Although seeing success on many levels one would wonder if Biffi has received any slack or negativity regarding designing for the plus size market. “The industry has been very supportive, we always get some scrutiny though, and I don’t take it to heart”.
Lastly, regarding Biffis inspirations and people she admires, she has one name “Alexander McQueen”, Biffi continues that “he was and always will inspire me”.
With that said we look forward to seeing Biffi’s next inspirations and creations.
Photo Credits: Campaign photography is by Sammy Rawal; Jessica Biffi headshot by Max Abadian
