I'm excited to have the artist responsible for reigniting my interest in graphic t-shirts participate in Paper-Doll's Designer Interview Series - Melinda Santillan of Adieu.

Paper-Doll: How did you get into fashion design?
Melinda Santillan – Adieu: Through illustration and printmaking. I always thought it was interesting to apply it to clothes.

What is the first thing you designed (personally or professionally)?
I made a dress made out of corrugated cardboard for an art class once.

When did you launch your own label?
In 2008, although I had been experimenting for a few years before that.

What inspires you / your work?
Everyday life + daydreaming.

Describe your SS’10 Collection.
Dreams, teenage recollections and different shades of black ink.

What is your favourite piece from your SS’10 Collection?
I love the t-shirt with the ghosts (first picture). It’s from a picture of me and a friend on Halloween. I always wanted to have that classic ghost costume with the sheet and that year I finally did it.

Did you have a personal soundtrack or a favourite album that you listened to while working on SS’10?
I’ve never been good at acquiring music and by default end up with whatever other people put on my computer. I think the soundtrack to this collection would be completely random and probably too embarrassing to reveal.

What area of your work do you enjoy the most?
I love connecting with people from different countries and traveling.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
So far, I can’t really say it’s been too hard to be honest, it’s just t-shirts.

What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you as a designer?
That I became a designer, I don’t really consider myself that.

If you could design a wardrobe for any one person (past/present/real/fictional), who would it be?
I’d love to make figure skating outfits for Alexis from the movie Ice Castles.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Usually very basic but with a hint of Joan Collins on occasion.

What is your favourite item in your personal wardrobe?
My gold chain with religious amulets.

Where do you shop for clothes when you're not wearing your own?
Hmm...I don’t remember the last time I went shopping!

What is on your current fashion wishlist?
A Hermes bracelet I saw at the airport.

What fashion trend would you not be caught dead in?
Crocs. I don’t care how comfortable they are, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with something so ugly looking on my feet!

What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?
A black t-shirt.

What is your favourite thing about the city you live in?
I love it when it’s snowing in Montreal (as long as I’m inside!) and the smell of detergent in Mexico.

If you couldn’t be a fashion designer, what other area of interest would you like to explore?
I’d love to get paid to talk, like a talkshow host or something.

What is next for your label?
Designing the new collection, a small film and possibly accessories in the future.

Visit: Adieu