Club Soda is Sodaliscious!
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Cindy Renée Mathieu, an alumna of the Ryerson and the International Academy of Design, is the brainchild behind the Sodaliscious and Club Soda clothing lines, launched in 2002 and 2007 respectively. Cindy’s Sodaliscious line, which is currently only available custome made, is described as clothing with a “European feel, something not really seen here in North America.” It’s something that one may see stars wear to premiers. The Club Soda line, on the other hand, is not only quirkier, but also targeted to a younger age group, about 15 to 25. In addition, Club Soda is a women’s clothing line, while Sodaliscious caters to both men and women. Club Soda Clothing is available at its online store, which launched on August 15.
Cindy on the “typical” Sodaliscious and Club Soda clients:
For Sodaliscious, the typical consumer would be someone who wants to stand out, yet look sophisticated at the same time. Sodaliscious wearers are generally those in their 20s and up, and are those looking to actually create trends rather than follow them. It also tends to have an arts and entertainment appeal. Club Soda is younger, more affordable look and pieces are more appealing for everyday wear.
On her designer influences:
Definitely Alexander McQueen and Galiano. Both have high end, haute couture designs with a sense of originality. I especially like their use of fabric and techniques as well as the way they are presented, including the use of lighting and themes. For example, the set for Galliano’s Spring 2008 collection, held at Paris Fashion Week in October 2007 included a carousel.
On what celebrity she’d like to have as a spokesmodel:
Sarah Jessica Parker, for sure, and for both lines. Gwen Stefani would make a great spokesmodel for Club Soda. As for men, Kanye West and David Bowie.
On her favourite classes in fashion school and the instructors that influenced her most:
I really enjoyed draping – it allowed me to be creative, to feel and mould the fabric into place. As for instructors, I’d say that they would be my illustration instructors, Peter DeFreitas and Michelle. Peter has actually worked for major magazines, such as Flare. My high school teacher, Mrs. Lalonde was also an influence. I took an extra year of high school, spending the entire year working on special projects. It was the mid 90s at the time, and Mrs. Lalonde, being very technologically forward, influenced me to learn Photoshop.
Advice for future designers and fashion students:
The fashion business is not only about the parties. It’s a very tough industry and a lot of work. It’s not easy, and in order to be successful, you really have to love what you’re doing.
On where she sees herself in five to 10 years:
I’d love to have a boutique – at least three in Canada – one in Toronto, one in Montreal and one in Vancouver.
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I have been to her shows and seen her clothes up front and she has such an original style. She is high fashion and is representing Toronto with fashion and flare.