DESIGN MEETS FASHIONAt age 22, Toronto-based aspiring architect Advita Madan has already interned in Dubai and Bei-jing. With a love of emerging global trends in design and fashion, the Ryerson University archi-tectural science graduate spoke to SUITS about the link between architecture and style. Madan’s passion for her favourite structures spills over into the world of décor and the structured, architectur-al fashion trend. The fierce, fresh and surprisingly female face of a changing industry tells us about living La Dolce Advita, from skyscraper heels to skyscraper heights. BY FATIMA SYED

1) What originally inspired you to pursue architecture?“Growing up in Dubai, my interest in building design and construction was deeply affected by the changing landscape around me. In the span of two short decades, a small trading port in the midst of a barren desert was transformed into the utopian metropolis that it is today. My desire to serve societies across the globe by shaping their evolving environments is what drove me to pursue a career in architectural design immediately after high school.”

2) Recently, the architectural trend has made a comeback on the runway. We’re seeing geometric prints, structured dresses with broad shoulders and peplum tops. What are your thoughts on the link between the fash-ion and architechture?“Being a designer, it is really interesting how these two fields influence each other. The chang-ing trends in architecture have reflected back to the fashion industry for decades. Structures are starting to inspire fashion and personally, I believe that the link between architecture and fashion has never been stronger. Recently, mini-malistic design, which is strongly influenced by the Japanese, has begun to influence the fashion world, with Prada creating a line based on mini-malism. This could be seen as a way of breathing modernity into cultural references, which is how fashion and architecture are intertwined.”

3) Which Spring 2015 trends would you per-sonally recommend for a work-appropriate, chic look this season?

“I have been wearing a lot of patterns and prints lately, and find that they can look extremely chic at work. Bright colours and geometric patterns are definitely in this spring season. A printed shirt with a simple black pencil skirt could look great at the workplace, and could even be acces-sorised to be worn during a night out!”

4) How do you normally dress for a day on the job in your field?“You can never go wrong with black, white and grey at an architectural office. I usually put on a pair of black skinny jeans with a simple, coloured shirt and some ankle length boots. For accessories, I usually go with one large state-ment piece, such as a chunky bracelet or neck-lace.”

5) What are your top design tips for revamp-ing or renovating a small, urban space for Spring 2015? “I am a big fan of minimalism, and love to have a monochromatic setting with just a splash of colour to brighten things up. In the living room for example, having only white furniture is a good base to start with, which you can then accent using coloured cushions, a coloured rug or other accessories such as candles and potpourri. Spring is all about bright colours, so using bright greens, oranges and yellows will liven a space up.”

6) What are some of the challenges of being a young, emerging female architect? ”Some people believe that women who wish to start families cannot make it big in the architec-ture industry, simply because they will not be able to give their careers the time and commit-ment needed. Despite what people think, I per-sonally believe that women can definitely make it big, and balance their personal commitments as well. There are numerous women ‘starchi-tects’, such as Zaha Hadid and Kazuyo Sejima, who set a positive example for emerging female architects around the world.”

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MAD WOMAN: AD GIRL CHANTELLE ENNIS-CHAROO SHARES HER TIPS FOR

SUCCCESSFUL STYLE WITH SUITS

Anyone who watches AMC’S Mad Men is already familiar with the series’ signature 1960s-era vintage glamour and drama. Flash forward to 2015, and the rapid-fire world of digital advertising is home to long hours, hard work and easy elegance. As a rising advertising buyer for Toronto-based creative agency Isobar Canada, 23-year-old Chantelle En-nis-Charoo already knows this fact well. While she may have originally dreamed of becoming a journalist in high school, studying Communication Studies at York University led Ennis-Charoo to her cur-rent job at the agency. Two years after making her grand debut, she reflects on the journey which brought her into the creative studio. “Once I graduated, advertising was a booming industry and I was able to find a job quite quickly,” she says. As a modern advertising gal follow-ing the paths of seasoned influential tastemakers in their 30s and 40s, En-nis-Charoo is no Don Draper (or for that matter, Joan Holloway). Instead, she belongs to a new breed of savvy and styl-ish media professionals, as aware of the market as they are of their favourite designer trunk shows. So, what do you wear when you’ve officially landed the job of your dreams? “One of the things I love about my place of work is the openness we have for

For many young professional women, the decision of what to wear to the office sets the day in motion. At her casual creative workplace, Ennis-Cha-roo pairs long shirtdresses with dark opaque leggings, and has started to mix Spring 2015’s gingham prints into her wardrobe. On casual workdays, you’ll find her in dark high-waisted skinny denim in an indigo blue wash or a dark off-the-shoulder blouse with three-quarter sleeves.

She cites “comfy shoes” as foot-wear essentials, especially Ralph Lauren sandals for summer and knee-high flat boots by Michael Kors for the colder months. In advertising, the change of pace is quick, and so are the sudden wardrobe changes from a day at the desk to a company party. To switch her look into the after hours to attend business events, En-nis-Charoo adds statement jewelry, a tailored coat and her favourite black suede pumps. As for that perfect accessory, a positive attitude tends to complement her outfit on the job. “When you love your job, and are confident in your abilities, it exudes from you. Your 'good vibes' influence those around you,” she adds.