Jennifer Fukushima grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where the only clothing options were cookie cutter fashions from the local mall and second hand findings from the Salvation Army Thrift Store. In search of something different, she began surfing the internet, perusing crafty DIY sites like Sparkle Craft and Epitome Girl. Then during a trip to Calgary, Fukushima stumbled upon indie boutiques that carried clothing made by local designers. At the age of seventeen, Fukushima decided to launch her own line of recycled handbags, Paper People.
Fukushima moved to Toronto to study fashion at Ryerson University and soon her line was carried at local downtown boutiques. Expanding into clothing, she sourced second hand t-shirts and turned them into funky, eclectic tank tops. Paper People has since evolved to include eco-friendly options such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton garments. The line blends colour, texture and pattern for a DIY, handmade appeal.
This fall finds Paper People drawing on the ornate beauty of nature. Natural variations in color and texture are simulated through intricate hand dying and recycled silk detailing to emulate leaf-like structures. Pieces include remade sweater shrugs, elfish leggings, and flirty sweaters, as well as a variety of bamboo a-line dresses in earthy chocolate, moss, and cream tones. Paper People Fall 2007 will be available in August at Nathalie-Roze & Co. (1015 Queen St. E), Pull (435 Queen St. W), and The Rage (13 Kensington Ave.).
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