Like so many other little girls, Eve Kinizo became a fashion designer at a young age, creating couture for that most glamorous client, Barbie. But unlike most of those little girls, Eve’s early Barbie designs evolved into a grownup career. Eve is the designer and genius behind her fashion label, Hip Line by Eve Kinizio in Toronto.

Eve received her training in fashion school, and she worked for several companies in the industry in Los Angeles and Toronto. She began her label in 2004 with a line of belts, which eventually progressed to clothing. Eve honed her skills, becoming exceedingly proficient in her ability to create garments with cut and fit to flatter the average female form.   

She draws her inspiration from everything: “It could be what I go through at that time, trends that I like, although I try to stay away from them. I love cultures, different types of fabrics and textures etc.” Her goal as a designer is to perfect her design skills, to “grow, reach more people and be able to always be creative.”  She feels a deep commitment to the preservation of the environment. “My line is vegan, meaning, no leather and fur. I think that because our art has to do with luxury, the designers' responsibility is to not harm the environment…”

Eve has found that the toughest obstacle to becoming a fashion designer is funding. “Our craft has to do with material; without it we can't create it. Even then, once you create your collection, you need money to promote yourself, sell the clothing etc. But of course, when you want something you'll find a way to do it.” Her advice to aspiring designer is “to work for others first to understand the industry better and don't invest your own money without a business plan and someone to guide you.”

She confesses that her personal fashion addiction is shoes. She believes that every woman should have a miniskirt or dress in her closet, preferably one of her mini dresses, along with her “Diva” top. If she could revive a fashion era, it would be “real punk from the 80's and maybe a lot of lace from the 18th century...Fun!”

Eve can imagine Madonna, Pink, Drew Barrymore or Juliette Lewis wearing her designs. The fashion industry would categorize her fashions as Women’s Designer/Evening wear. “I target my line to artistic women who love art or create it and go to a lot of industry parties, openings, exhibitions etc.”

Eve Kinizo’s designs are featured on UsTrendy.com. You can view her portfolio and blogs, or visit the Hip Line by Eve Kinizo store.