MANUEL MENDOZA

NV designer has eye
for dressing women

WITH AN EYE to dressing west coast women in a style
described as ‘‘casual elegance,’’ North Vancouver designer
Manuel Mendoza is expanding his clothing business.

For the past three years Men-
doza has sold European fabrics
and done custom orders from his
Lower Lonsdale Avenue shop.

But the Manila-born designer
now intends to feature a selection
of his own designs, beginning with
a spring clothing line.

“Ts a natural transition.” he
said.

“T've been doing ladies’ wear
for a long ume, but selling it to
other stores. [If we carry our own
ling we'fl have more freedom of
design.”

By KIM

News Reporter

SIMPLE STYLES

The 36-year-old designer said he
prefers simple styles for women's
elothine and natural fabrics such
as sifk, wool and cotton.

He said his upcoming spring col-
lectian will be based on two color
groups — brights and pastels. And
all designs can be coordinated with
one another to make a full war-
drohe.

NEWS photo Miko Wahetintd

“Basically the clothing will be
casual elegance — nothing too
faney. Vor changing now from
elaborate to mare minimal
designs,”” he said.

By the end of March, Mendosia
said samples of his designs will be
on show at his boutique. He said
this will enable customers to
choose the calor type af Cabric as
well as the style of the garment,

NO HESITATION

But he said he won't hesitate to
tell a client if he believes they have
made a wrong choice,

Bolty of fabrics, mostly from
ltaly, line the walls of Mendoza’s

Sunday, March 23, 198¢

Travel
with
friends
PAGE 19

h Shore News

Casual elegance

FASHION DESIGNER Manuel Mendoza, left, stands in
front of some of the outfits in his Spring clothing fine. This
is the first time the North Vancouver designer has designed
his own fashion line. Below, Suzanne models an easy-linen
pant suit, and a wrap-around silk camisole by Mendoza.

10-foot wide boutique, and there is
a small selection of satin belts
available for sale.

Although there is a select choice
of belis on display, Mendoza said
the three seamstresses he employs
can make other accessories.

The designer, who has been in

the fashion industry since coming
to Canada 10 years ago, said his
clients are mostly career women 25
years old and up.

Prices for shirts and skirts are
usually in the $SO range, with
dresses selling for about $150 and
suits for $200,