One New Brunswick designer is turning her lifelong dream into a reality.
Céline Brideau, owner of CBrido Collection, is bringing a unique flavour to the Fredericton fashion landscape. Brideau is quickly building an impressive repertoire. Her collection has already been showcased as part of PLITZs New York City Fashion Week.
Brideau, 26, got her start in the small town of Tracadie-Sheila. Her interest in fashion stems from childhood.
“Ever since I was 10 years old, I was amazed by fashion,” said Brideau. After studying fashion design in Quebec, Brideau decided to return to New Brunswick.
Housed in the former home of Pretty Little Freak Boutique, CBrido is a designer-driven women’s boutique with a custom flair. Besides offering ready-to-wear options, Brideau also gives customers the chance to add their own influence.
“If you don’t like the colour of the fabric, you can change it. We can discuss what you like,” Brideau said.
The boutique is a one-woman show, with Brideau running every aspect of her line without assistance.
“I create everything here, by myself with no one helping me,” she said. “I’m working all the time.”
Brideau’s greatest achievement thus far came in early September. After showcasing her collection at Halifax’s Atlantic Fashion Week, she was invited to participate in PLITZs Fashion Week in NYC.
“[They] found me through the website from Halifax,” said Brideau. “It was amazing.”
The experience gave Brideau her first exposure across the border.
“It was the first time I had showcased outside of Canada,” she said. “I found new contacts [like] models, people who work in the fashion industry.”
Brideau will be returning to Atlantic Fashion Week on Oct. 5
The inspirations for Brideau’s designs vary from season to season.
“For each season I have a different theme and I have specific inspirations,” she said. “For the fall collection, it was the Renaissance.”
Brideau finds inspiration from several outlets. She cites magazines and Pinterest as some of her go-to places.
“I just choose my inspiration and go with the vibe,” she said.
When asked who she designs for, Brideau says anyone can wear her looks.
“It’s so difficult. Everybody’s asking me ‘What is the average age?’ But it can be from a 20-year old to a 55-year old,” Brideau said. “The main thing is to be comfortable with who you are, that the clothing is for a person who wants to look good. It’s trendy.”
With the collection’s strong New Brunswick roots, Brideau thinks her clothing will also appeal to the locally conscious. “I think the local trend goes with young people and older ones,” she says.
Brideau hopes that her customers will be inspired to “just have fun with clothing.”
With a strong buzz and U.S. exposure, CBrido is already making its mark.
“It was a dream,” said Brideau “And now it’s a dream come true.”
CBrido Collection is located at 340 King Street, Suite 1, in Downtown Fredericton.
