Cindy Custodio knew her sewing machine would always
be her best friend, but no one told her the special friendship
she made at George Brown College would lead to international success.
In 1997, Cindy met Cynthia Florek, who was also enrolled
in George Brown's two-year Fashion Techniques and Design program.
Like Cindy, Cynthia heard the program had a good reputation
for fashion studies and thought it was the best option
for her to develop the passion
she'd had since high school, where she produced her first solo fashion
show.
After years of school, internships, and working for
various companies, the two are now focused on their own
fashion line, CinCyn, which debuted in 2001.
CinCyn have
had their collection showcased at L'Oreal Fashion Week
in Toronto (March 14-19, 2005) and New York's Fashion Week in February
2005.
Cindy, 26, and Cynthia, 27, have received rave reviews
for their work. Elle Canada's editor-in chief Rita Silvan was especially
impressed by the high level of quality and sophistication
from this novice duo.
"Their designs were original and sophisticated. They did
not look like the work of beginners at all but rather they
had a confidence and energy that comes from having a
very clear style vision," Silvan
said. "The designs look good on women of any age - as long
as she is confident and full of vitality."
Cindy and Cynthia owe
their accomplishments to knowing more than how to cut and
sew. At George Brown College,
they learned making clothes also requires patience.
"A lot of people are oblivious to what goes into making
a garment. They think it just comes to life," Cynthia said.
Cindy
agrees. She used to get compliments for the unique look
of her home-sewn styles, but anyone who took a closer
look would have seen her work was only half complete.
"If you were to actually look at the inside, it was a mess," she
said.
Cindy credits George Brown College for its focus
on the basics of developing a garment properly. After graduation,
both Cindy and Cynthia worked for a number of companies
including a private label company supplying
stores like Costa Blanca, Urban Behaviour, Big Star and
Medocino. After noticing how well
their work ethic and design ideas clicked, CinCyn was
born.
Both are thrilled about their success and simply
love what they do. Still, it can be highly stressful.
Both admit to having meltdowns but like all good friends and partners,
Cynthia and Cindy are there for
each other.
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