Name: Melissa Ferguson
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Media: A Modern Citizen
Personal Fashion Style: Trendy
Her Campus uOttawa: How did you start your blog and what is it about?
Melissa Ferguson: I started writing my blog when I was in high school, and it really evolved over the years. Back then, it was more of a test run, and I remodeled everything less than a year ago. A Modern Citizen is a life style blog with fashion as a focus.
HCuO: Your blog is amazing, so it’s no doubt that you have a huge following on social medial. How did you do it?
MF: You really have to know who to follow and really get involved with different people. It is all about the “intermingling” and to keep pushing forward.
HCuO: How did you hear about Capital Catwalk?
MF: One of my good friends Chantel Gravelle will be one of the fashion hairstylists. She is a Redken certified colourist with an eye for the trendy. Chantal is the one who mentioned that I should come in as a media journalist for the fashion show.
HCuO: What are you looking forward to seeing at Capital Catwalk?
MF: I am excited to see what the local shops and vendors have in store for us, and what they have planned in order to give back to the community.
HCuO: What are your thoughts about the fashion industry in Ottawa?
MF: Since the opening of Nordstrom, and the new addition to the CF Rideau Centre, Ottawa has most definitely stepped up its game. With the help of employers and employees joining us from various North American fashion meccas such as New York, Toronto and Montreal, the growth in such a short time frame is significant and will only continue to flourish.
HCuO: Do you believe that Fashion week of Ottawa will be back?
MF: Ottawa needs to develop its fashion foundation; find its groove because it’s lacking the trend factor that comes with being a metropolitan city.
HCuO: What is your favourite brand? Do you have a favorite shopping destination?
MF: I am obsessed with Australian labels such as Zimmermann and Sass and Bide, combining runway ready shapes with a breezy effortless feel. When I want to shop, and I mean really shop, I like gallivanting around Ball Harbour in Miami.
HCuO: Where do see yourself in a couple years?
MF: I hope to create a solid foundation and grow my brand. Maybe open a shop and continue to collaborate with fashion industry members.
HCuO: You seem to know a lot about the fashion industry. What is your fashion background?
MF: I attended Parsons School of Design based out of New York. I studied marketing and dabbled in the editorial field as well. It was such a great experience.
HCuO: Do you have any advice for people wanting to be involved in the fashion industry?
MF: I would recommend two things: the first would be to complete Parson’s online course, which in collaboration with Teen Vogue was designed to give you a crash course of the industry. Secondly, you need to find your own niche; your own image. I found mine by traveling, taking inspiration from others cultures and people and throwing it into my everyday style. People watching, in my opinion, is quite the underrated tool.
You can catch Melissa’s adventure by following her on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Also, there’s still time to purchase tickets for the Capital Catwalk tomorrow night: you can find them here.
Sources: The pictures were provided by Melissa Ferguson.
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