Nashmin 
MM: Can you introduce your brand and yourself in a few sentences?
Mel Elegance is for resort apparel, looking for comfort and minimalism.
MM: What sparked your interest in fashion?
When I was about 5 years old, my mom made a backpack for me using scrap fabric. Ever since then, being a Fashion Designer became my dream.
MM: Can you describe your creative process?
Inspiration followed by drawing, editing, more editing, pattern making, and lastly, sample making.
MM: Where do you find inspiration in your day-to-day life?
Travelling, reading magazines, reading books, watching movies, reading poetry.
MM: What kind of questions do you ask yourself when you begin creating a collection?
I ask myself if the piece is chic and if it is balanced.
MM: How did you learn the business of fashion?
Fashion to me, is more like a hobby. Every collection I design, I focus solely on my inspiration and characters.
MM: How do you find working as a designer in Canada? Has the culture/surroundings affected your design aesthetic? Do you feel connected to your home?
Working as a designer in Canada, especially in Vancouver, is really hard. Every time I design a collection I can’t find the right supplies!
Yes, the culture affected me a lot. As a Chinese Canadian, East meet West Culture has made my designs lean more towards Western style informal wear, but with intricate Eastern-inspired details.
MM: What is your favourite part of being a designer? What drives you to design?
For me, making samples is like being able to create a Miracle. From idea to reality. I often struggle to find the clothes that I want to wear so being able to make them makes it easy!
MM: What is the inspiration behind your F/W19 collection to be showcased at Vancouver Fashion Week?
My F/W 2019 collection is called: Celestial. The inspiration came from my summer travels to Alaska in Delaney national park. I saw an array of beautiful colors from flowers and the sounds of wildlife were so pleasing to hear! The glaciers peacefully close by, seemed to be smiling back at me.
MM: What is your favourite part of your new collection?
The color palette.
Glacier’s white, vibrant floral colours, and the wildlife’s distinctive grey.
MM: What is your favourite piece from the new collection?
It’s hard to tell. I like every piece from this collection. If I had to choose, the asymmetrical silk skirt would be my favorite because I designed it specifically for myself. I am short so I designed this skirt to make me feel taller and it does just that!
Thank you for telling us about your journey into fashion design. We can’t wait to see Melissa Yin show at Vancouver Fashion Week for the F/W19 season.
Check out Melissa Yin at: melissayin.co
