Stephan Caras falls into the category of Canadian fashion veterans. He’s one of Canada’s most seasoned designers and has shown his collections around the world, but he has come back and calls Toronto his home—both for showing his designs and living. With an exciting career that boasts working with Hermes and creating luxurious and architectural gowns for women, Caras has carved out his place as a designer with hard work and patience. While they say that imitation may be the most sincere form of flattery, Caras has learned that designing is not about mimicking others but expressing his own emotions through his work. He’s showing his Spring 14 collection at World MasterCard Fashion Week and we spoke with him about Toronto, his line and what his life would be like if he wasn’t a designer.

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

Stephan Caras: I would describe my line as sensual and chic.  

SDTC: You’ve shown in major fashion capitals—what is it about showing at World MasterCard Fashion Week that you love?

SC: Toronto and World MasterCard Fashion Week are home to me. It’s amazing to be home and celebrate the collection with family and friends. Also, the organization of the WMCFW in Toronto is quite excellent.

SDTC:  What has been the highlight of your career so far?

SC: I have two very notable highlights, working with Hermes and Guy Laroche. 

SDTC:  Who is the woman you design for?

SC: Stephan Caras designs are created for a self-assured woman.  

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

SC: I’ve always had a love for architecture, as you can see in my collections. If I wasn’t a designer, I would be still using my creativity and I believe the outlet would be as an architect.

SDTC:   What distinguishes your garments from others?

SC: The number of unique details found in my designs.  

SDTC:  What’s next for you?

SC: God willing, to continue working and complete our online retailing site! 

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

SC: To design what I feel, to express my feelings through design rather than mimic design. 

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

SC: I have had more than one to say…  

SDTC:  Who in the Canadian fashion industry do you look up to the most?

SC: I respect anyone in the industry who is successful at what they do and they do it well. Also, I respect longevity of career.  

SDTC:  If you could have any person wear your designs, who would it be and why?

SC: As a young designer I always dreamed to dress Ursula Andress and Claudia Cardinale.