Created with urban career women in mind, the Montreal-based Mélissa Nepton label was established in 2009. Celebrating an accessible sophistication and a study in movement and a sense of fluidity, Nepton’s designs outfit silhouettes of all shapes. Her garments are entirely made in Canada and Mélissa Nepton’s Spring/Summer 2014 ready-to‐wear collection, entitled Pikuseru, which means “pixel” in Japanese, was inspired by both the culture and the fashion currents stemming from Japan that will be showcased on the runway at World MasterCard Fashion Week. From inspiration to what’s next to who she looks up to in the fashion industry (the one and only Lee Alexander McQueen), we learnt all things Melissa Nepton before her show on Tuesday.

SheDoesTheCity: How would you describe your designs to someone who has never heard of you?

Melissa Nepton: My designs are for the working woman that has a lot of things on the go! Whether it’s spending time with friends and family, shopping, or just relaxing, weekends are for more than just lying in the sun (although that is always nice too). We strive to provide comfortable pieces that bring out the beauty in all women no matter what their age or physique

SDTC:  When did you realize you wanted to work in fashion?

MN: As a child my mother would create costumes for theatrical plays, as well as having her own children’s line of clothing. Seeing her work inspired me to create my own label.

SDTC: If you weren’t designing at the moment, what do you think you’d be doing instead

MN: I love creating, so I think being an architect could be very similar to a fashion designer. 

SDTC:  What inspires you to create?

MN: This question can be interpreted in different ways. I draw inspiration from various sources in our collections—cultures, history, architecture, sports, etc. What inspires the Melissa Nepton brand is to create an accessible line that can be worn by all women and provides comfort and elegance.

SDTC: What distinguishes your garments from others?

MN: We provide pieces for the modern working woman looking to differentiate herself.  This could be with bold patterns, unique designs or different combinations of fabrics. 

SDTC: What’s next for you?

MN: Growing, growing, growing. Whether it is expanding the line with new products, entering new territories or having new partnerships, there are numerous exciting opportunities ahead.  

SDTC:  What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

MN: To strive to be better and to never stop growing. 

SDTC: What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your career?

MN: Creating a good work and life balance, especially with the recent addition of our baby Olivia. 

SDTC: Why do you love showing at World MasterCard Fashion week?

MN: The audience is completely different from Montreal so it gives us a great perspective on the strengths of our new collections. The team at IMG are always professional and run a well-organized quality event.  

SDTC:  Who in the fashion industry do you admire the most? 

MN: Alexander McQueen for pushing his vision and creativeness to the maximum.