Style

Fashion with Heart

Talking style with designer Toni Lyn Spaziano

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Have you always loved fashion?
For as long as I can remember. At the age of eight I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer. I remember making clothing for my Barbie dolls and having play runway shows! It was my dream.

What inspired you to become a designer?
I had many different jobs in the sales industry and fundraising for non-profits, but it was my husband who ultimately inspired me to be a designer. He knew how badly I wanted it and really wanted to see me live out my dream.

Where did the name of your line, Chances R Designs, come from?

Aside from the inspiration from my husband, there is another very special person in my life who motivates me everyday: Chance. Chance is a special needs little person who holds a very special place in my heart. His ability to overcome obstacles and keep a positive outlook on life is inspirational. Our major goal at Chances R Designs is to help children in need, and a portion of proceeds from the line goes to The Painted Turtle, a summer camp for special needs children. I want to give them what Chance has given me — the chance to follow their dreams.

What’s the Chances R Designs aesthetic?
I love classic design that is chic and elegant, but with a modern day perspective. I design ready-to-wear dresses and separates with a strong influence stemming from the 1960s era. I also design for women of any age, shape and size.

Is this different from your personal style?
I’m turning 40 next month and have definitely noticed that with age (and the inevitable change to my figure) my personal style is changing and evolving. I have definitely come a long way from my hippie chic days to a more tailored and mature look, similar to my collection, but I personally have a bit more of a bohemian twist.

Tell me about this look.
The blouse is my own design. I love black and white and think it is so chic and classic. The print of the blouse is bold so I paired it with a simple pair of wide leg pants and black pumps. This outfit is definitely appropriate for day-to-evening wear. A few extra accessories and I would feel ready for a night out in the city!

Where can we find your pieces?
I debuted my very first ready-to-wear collection this past January at StyleWeek. Pieces from the collection will be available in about 10 different stores up and down the East Coast beginning at the end of the summer.

What can we expect from you at the upcoming StyleWeek?
I am so excited to be showing at StyleWeek for the second time! I will be showing my second ready to wear collection — Spring 2013. You will see a lot of similarities to my fall collection, but in lighter colors and fabrics. The Upper East Side, Mad Men-esque aesthetic is still apparent throughout the collection.

toni lyn spaziano, chances r, style, clothes, designer, fashion, city, style

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