Story by Christopher Massardo

Photography: Denis Murphy
Fashions: Natalya Toporova
Make-up: Bridget Cameron assisted by Natalya Toporova
Styling: Christopher Massardo
Hair: Lucas Nault
Model: Anjela @ CoverModels Management



“Bold patterns,” “soft hues” and “gorgeously feminine shapes” are a few of the ways that Natalya Toporova's designs have been characterized. Of even more impressive character is Toporova herself, a fashion artist who at only 24 years of age is showing the hunger, the talent, and the work ethic required to perhaps one day become a stylishly household name.

I stress the term fashion artist because just like a stylist or photographer, a designer is a fashion artist. With a strong art background and a good knowledge of make-up artistry, Toporova brings a deep understanding of what's required to create an overall aesthetic.

Although working in fashion is itself fashionable these days, the Russian-born Toporova has been dreaming about it since childhood.

“When I was five years old my favourite toy was a doll with many outfits to dress it up with,” she explains. “I would watch TV and be fascinated with all the clothing I would see.”

Toporova's dream did not always feel attainable, however.

“It was always a desire to design clothes, but I never thought I would do it,” she explains. “It looked so complicated and hard that it looked impossible!”

That being said, like anyone who is truly passionate, Toporova didn't let the “impossible” feeling stop her for very long.

“I realized it doesn’t matter how hard it is as long as you try; that’s all that matters.”

So try she did, and at first, she failed.

Toporova started making garments at age fourteen and admits that in the beginning the results were disappointing.

“I destroyed so much of my clothes, but never gave up.”

What kept her motivated were the times when her creations turned into finished garments.

“I was hooked, seeing people wearing my clothes, feeling beautiful, wanting my designs—it is a great feeling!”







At the age of 19, Toporova had enough confidence to pursue post-secondary education in fashion, starting with design classes at Algonquin College, where she learned “All the little details of industrial designing to basic sewing skills.”

Next, to further her education and gain insight from a different perspective, Toporova enrolled in the Richard Robinson school of fashion design, a place she found markedly different from Algonquin.

“At the Richard Robinson School you learn the haute couture of designing and lots of pattern making techniques, sketching, and marketing.”

But perhaps the most important lesson that Toporova took away from the classroom: training is nothing unless you make something of it.

“It's more than just school. I've met so many talented new designers who go to school and think ‘That’s it, I'll find a great job after’.”

“After spending lots of money on school, you realize that school is only a step and it’s up to you to work hard to get up those next steps,” she says.

One of those steps presented itself to Toporova when she was asked to design two dresses for a Virgin Radio event last year in Ottawa.

“I had advertised locally that I did custom clothing,” said Toporova. “One of the models for the Virgin event saw some of my work, emailed me and asked me if I could make two dresses by the end of the week.”

Despite a heavy schedule, Toporova accepted without hesitation.

“I sewed my butt off and it paid off in the end, the dresses were a great success!”

And the resulting exposure was bigger than anticipated.

“I didn’t know the event was going to be on TV and in newspapers and, most of all, with [Virgin celebrity owner] Richard Branson,” said Toporova excitedly.

Not yet out of design school and Toporova had already designed for a media mogul. I’m sure that made some classmates a bit jealous.

“Now I know not to pass up any opportunity that comes my way, you never know how it will turn out,” Toporova said.







This year, with her education complete, Toporova has focused on building a portfolio. Between student shows at the Richard Robinson school and a few other local shows, she had some some practical experience as a foundation but certainly never rested on those laurels.

“I do photo shoots weekly and that has helped me get lots of work and meet lots of people in the industry,” she explains.

For now, dreaming has been put aside and Toporova's current state of mind now is strictly business: “I just finished designing a six-piece collection for Paris Police, an online store,” she reports.

Locally, Toporova is speaking with boutiques and shops. “Hopefully by the end of September I'll have my designs in the local market as well,” she says.

She will also debut a much-anticipated fall collection in a design competition at the Crowne Plaza Hotel this September.

Despite all this home-grown initiative, Toporova's hunger for success shines brightest when she briefly mentions trying out for a certain fashion design reality show.

“I would absolutely love to be on Project Runway Canada,” she beams. “You get to meet so many talented people in the industry. I love the pressure. I'm definitely trying out!”

Toporova has an advantage over fellow young designers: she seems to feed off the inevitable fear of the unknown.

“It does get scary,” she admits. “Your future is in your hands and it’s easy to go an easier path when it’s not working out as you thought it would.”

“You have to be constantly very active in designing collections, meeting people... photographers especially, doing local fashion shows and events.”

What is it like for a designer trying to burst out of a fashion market much smaller than some? “I think Ottawa is coming out of its shell,” she says positively. “People are becoming more educated about fashion and more daring with what they wear.”

It bodes well that an Ottawa-schooled artist is finding some success right where she started. People are taking notice of Toporova, but she is clearly aware that only time, hard work, and all-important sales to the general public will give her the credentials required to show designs in bigger markets such as Toronto or Montreal or perhaps New York some day.

“If it’s something that you’re truly passionate about, with hard work, and constantly being active in the industry, it will work out,” Toporova offers to young fashion dreamers. “Wait for nobody to help you make it but yourself.”