When Sid Neigum made his debut in Toronto last March, it was a twisted love at first sight for me; it was dark and stormy, simple and unwavering. Neigum came to Toronto via Edmonton, Alberta, where he studied before moving to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. His line is all about duality in fashion, appealing to – and made for – both men and women, sharing silhouettes and shapes throughout each garment. He’s a man of few words, and that’s reflected in his collections: a simple palette, a streamlined design. While he’s now affiliated with The Fashion Collective, a boutique agency in Toronto that’s bringing the freshest talent out from the underground, he mostly works alone in his Midtown studio, finding inspiration from everywhere he’s been, and all the places left unconquered.
What inspires you?
Club culture, street fashion, music, contemporary sculpture, architecture, science, and math ideas like the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence.
Why did you decided to launch the brand?
I enjoy making clothing more than anything else, so it just felt right.
How has business shifted since you started?
It started with a focus on the creative aspects, and it’s recently shifted towards a more business minded approach.
Were you shocked by anything going into business?
It takes quite a large investment to start a business of any kind. I think that was the most surprising part.
Who do you design for? Who is your customer, your muse?
I usually design for my girlfriend and myself.
Where do you want to take the brand in the future?
I’d like to continue on my creative journey – explore new ideas, expand my market.
Any dream collaborations?
I love creating and listening to music, so I’d have to say Gesaffelstein, one of my favorite music producers right now.
Your fashion dinner date, past or present, would be…
Rei Kawakubo
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to aspiring designers?
Don’t take advice from strangers.
