Get up close and personal with Canadian fashion maven Skye Natasha Lintott with our exclusive interview!

Staying On Trends

You’ve been highly involved in the fashion and beauty industry for over 20 years and have become the Canadian icon for World Fashion Week. Can you share your secret on how to stay on top in the fashion industry?

Skye NatashaSKYE: I think it is from my genuine love for fashion. When I was young, I was that kind of girl who played barbies and made my own clothes, especially given that I grew up in an European home. I also always look for inspirations from different culture. I love textiles and different textures, and I love talking to new designers! New people and fresh ideas are key to stay on top in the fashion industry.

How did you build your fashion taste?

SKYE: If you have ever had a chance to sit down with a designer, you will know that they see the world differently. At the end of the day, they are true artists. They are people who think outside of the box, see things differently and they see trends way before we do. I think by attending different fashion shows and events, and listening to new designers for what they are seeing, inspire a lot of my fashion tastes.

Who inspires you to delve into the Fashion industry? Any iconic figure that you look up to?

SKYE: Coco Chanel is one, just because of what she stood for. More so, the vision she had for women was truly inspiring. Back in the time when Coco Chanel started, she envisioned the need for women to have something that was functional and presentable. She pioneered and designed clothes that spoke to the women’s bodies, and created a line of fashion that transcended elegance and functionality.

MYSKYEBERRYPIE

What are the top advice that you’d like to share with aspiring designers?

SKYE:

1. Put together a business plan.
As an artist you don’t really want to deal with that stuff (*giggle*) but you definitely need forethought and economic planning to make your designs known to people, as well as sustaining a good financial standing.

2. Talk to some business savvy people or even go to your elders.

Your parents or uncles or aunties, someone who had dealt with business before. They are definitely crucial to guide you along and make your dream happens. I find that successful people are so willing to share their experience with young people who are genuinely inspirational. As a new designer, there are a couple questions that you must confront: after paying so much money and effort in attending fashion shows and making a line of products, what now? What is the business model you envision to sustain your design creativity?

3. Follow your passion.
I don’t think there is a wrong fashion or idea or design. Sometimes we are very hard to ourselves and tend to second-guess everything. Stay true to what you are doing, don’t let the market or whatever external force hinder you from your design.

“Build your design and the market will follow.”

Skye NatashaAny obstacles that you have encountered throughout your fashion career? How did you overcome them?

SKYE: Fashion was a really niche high society. I worked with many 6 feet tall, a hundred pounds models before, and the competition was harsh. I think having a very open mind and courage to take chances are important. Being able to take risk is another key.

 

“Don’t take handouts, move fast with the evolution of the fashion industry.”


MySkyeBerryPie is a fairly new online platform. How does it work?

MySkyeBerryPie BoxSKYE: People often ask me questions like where do I get my hair done, where do I do my facial and nails. MySkyeBerryPie started off as a portal to gather these information. I know some practitioners that are phenomenal, and I want to take that information and make it accessible to everyone. Also, I like giving things to people. It is how MySkyeBerryPie box came along. I am bringing MySkyeBerryPie box to Emmys, New York Fashion Week and many more exciting events.

Fashion Must-Haves

What are the must-have items when you are heading to an important meeting? 

SKYE: A good pair of stilettos and key pieces of accessories, such as an on-trend statement cuff or necklace.

Which designer is your personal favourite?

SKYE: Zimmermann , Baja East and Son Jung Wan. I love brands from different culture. Classics like Dior and Chanel are two fashion houses that I love.

How to pick the perfect outfit?

SKYE: I am the girl who lies in bed and ruminates on the outfit for the next day. I pick my looks based on my mood and what I will be doing. I like to start off with the key pieces I’d like to wear and incorporate all other elements together, and make it all look polished. I like to make a statement with my wardrobe in many different ways.

What are your three fashion staples?

SKYE: Well I am french, we need a good pair of jeans that goes well with everything and be on-trend at the same time. Also, a pair of perfect stilettos and a trench coat.

What do you think will be the key trends for Fall-Winter 2015?

SKYE: Dior is still going with its beautiful BOHO looks. I love the metallic details and am actually very excited to see them. Layered, relaxed clothing is another one that I look forward too.

If you were only allowed to take one essential fashion item with you to a long trip, what will you bring?

SonJungWan

“A Good Coat. I am sticking with the jackets. I can be naked under and no one will know.”

 

Beauty Secrets

Any beauty secrets for you to stay on top of the game at all times?

SKYE: I don’t work out or anything. I am a “lifestyle exercise” kinda person. I am active and always on the go. I eat everything I want, but in moderation.

How do you manage to stay in perfect shape?

SKYE: Just stay active, very active. Eat everything but in moderation since I don’t believe in diets. Life is long, don’t starve yourself.

 

What kind of beauty products you use before an important meeting or night out?

IS CLINICALSKYE:
Innovative skin care from Los Angeles. The beauty line has all the keywords that I am looking for in skin care. Tizo is another product that I love. It is a chemical-free sunscreen that I use every day.

 

What are the key beauty trends for Fall-Winter 2015?

SKYE: For this season I definitely think bold colours will be a trend. I also think girls are still going to be cutting their hair off since Lob is trending. Women nowadays have become more and more cautious about their skin.

“Instead of putting on heavy makeup, you just want to have beautiful, healthy and naturally glowing skin.”