Breeyn McCarney is a slip of girl with a dry sense of humour. On her Facebook, she describes herself as a dressmaker who is ridiculous of sorts.

A recent graduate from the prestigious Central St. Martins, McCarney returned to her hometown of Toronto with a distinguished design sense. Soon-after, she launched her own line, Breeyn Mccarney, a collection of wonderfully tailored, whimsical, Victorianesque dresses mixed with baggy, ethereal knit sweaters.

I personally have several faves- one of which includes a heavy, grey plaid dress and a lace, doily-like, bustier dress that embodies a soft flimsiness. With all the ‘childlike wonderment,’ the collection is actually wonderfully grown up with intricate beading and winsome details, such as her use of ragged edges and python prints. They hearken back to the fairytale listening days, where ravenous wolves, European peasants, lost princesses with berry cheeks and old crones, offering gingerbread and half rotten apples return. But this time, all the tantalizing, surreal violence and oddities are left in the storyline…

EM Occupation and Position

Fashion Designer

EM: Can you tell us a little more about your concept?

I’m preoccupied with the craftsmanship that is often devoid in our culture.  These days, clothes are disposable and often last only for two months.  I have a dress from my grandma and mom that is beautifully still relevant.  I want my clothes to be like that- to be given to my friend’s children, last through out generations and not busting at the seams.

EM: What is the greatest piece of item you found at a garage sale/flea market?

There are really so many, really good pieces. There is a recycle centre near Dundas West and Keele.  But I think the best place was this barn near Revelstoke where there was an old Polish woman and an attic with tons of stuff.  It took an hour or two to rummage through everything,  but I found a rhinestone necklace for ten bucks-SCORE!

EM: Where are your favorite local spots to eat?

London Pierre Victoire in Soho, London, where they have classic French food and the price point is amazing. You can have a three course meal (with mussels and white wine) for forty pounds and they have freshly baked bread.

EM: What neighborhood do you closely identify with? What makes your community unique?

Shoreditch. There is a real sense of community where they are filled to the rafters with artists, fashionistas and with people you know, friends. It’s like a university where you can just hang out.

EM: What bands are at the top of your playlist at this very moment?

My best friend Nick Knox,  Black Keys,  White Stripes,  Laura Marling,  Ellie Goulding…

Reading list?

Catch 22, Chrysalids, Kid’s stories, Harry Potter-I often reference fairy-tales in my designs.

EM: What inspires you?

The photographs from Eve Marchant and depicting Roman and Detroit ruins of theatres, libraries, all crumbling. I find them incredibly beautiful and I see the anguish grandeur amongst the decay. I like finding beauty through the despair. Another inspiration are the Grimm stories and it’s gothiness.  I’m particularly interested in the area between the ‘thing’ and the borderland between them.

EM: Lastly, what kind of projects do you have coming up?

I have a secondary line called AnotherWordForPink filled with fun street styles. I’m working on the next collection for spring and custom bridal gowns.  I’m also involved in  an art project where we are hand making photography books.  The photography project is called the Ruins of Detroit, and it’s by Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre

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www.breeyn.com

http://twitter.com/breeynmccarney