diepo's SS'11 collection has a magic power few others possess. Every season I pour over hundreds of lookbooks and every season there are many absolutely beautiful collections. But few, on first sight, make me gasp in delight before flipping through repeatedly confessing my love for each and every piece. diepo's SS'11 collection is perfection. And to my delight, designers Justine and Kristin reveal that they have great, quirky sense of humors, making me love the label even more.

Paper-Doll: How did you get into fashion design?
Justine: I turned a pair of jeans into a sweet jean skirt in high school and the rest is history.
Kristin: I have always loved sewing but originally went to school for Kinesiology. A couple of student fashion shows re-awakened my interest in fashion and after graduation I registered at Ryerson University in the Fashion Design program.

What is the first thing you designed (personally or professionally)?
Justine: I made a dress/cape for my stuffed dog, Puppy. I think it was eyelet with an elastic neck hole. He really liked it and probably still wears it.
Kristin: A spandex crop top and skirt for my treasure troll inspired by the fly girls on In Living Colour.

When did you launch diepo?
We founded diepo in 2007 while we were still in university.

What inspires you / your work?
Our collection always begins with a vintage lingerie inspiration and a period reference.

Describe your SS’11 Collection.
Soft and feminine. Our color palette for SS11 is a mix of light dove greys, oyster toned and dusty pinks with a splash of delphinium blue. It’s the perfect thing to wear for taking a ride on a unicorn

What is your favourite piece from your SS’11 Collection?
The shaper, it’s our most transitional piece, it can be worn as a top, bottom or on its own as a dress!

Did you have a personal soundtrack or a favourite album that you listened to while working on SS’11?
A lot of Kate Bush.

What area of your work do you enjoy the most?
The beginning of a new season and the concept stage is always exciting….there is so much to look forward to!

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The financial woes associated with a start-up.

What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you as a designer?
Everyday brings another surprise!

If you could collaborate with any designer / artist / musician / etc. on a single project, who would it be and what would you do?
We would love for David Lynch to do a dark comedy fashion film with diepo.

If you could design a wardrobe for any one person (past/present/real/fictional), who would it be?
Justine: Olivia Hussey.
Kristin: Liz Taylor between husbands 3 and 4.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Justine: Puritan chic.
Kristin: Asian grandma joins the sorority.

What is your favourite item in your personal wardrobe?
Justine: My Work King winter coat.
Kristin: A cardigan-I’m non-discriminatory.

Where do you shop for clothes when you're not wearing your own?
Value Village. We also love Rac up in Yorkville.

What is on your current fashion wishlist?
Justine: A Lindsay Thornburg cape.
Kristin: A Hermes Birkin bag.

What fashion trend would you not be caught dead in?
Justine: Uggs.
Kristin: Toe-socks... I guess that’s not really a fashion trend but they totally creep me out.

What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?
The diepo culotte short!

What is your favourite thing about the city you live in? (Toronto)
Justine: The hot humid summers.
Kristin: Everything is a bike ride away!

If you couldn’t be a fashion designer, what other area of interest would you like to explore?
Justine: Professional pickler.
Kristin: Semi-professional pickler.

What is next for your label?
We are hoping to expand into the US market.

Visit: diepo