Well, we are certainly glad for it. Minx Clothing was a hobby that flourished with positive reactions from the scene. Michelle originally created her logo at age 22 as a recognizable mark while designing for herself and doing some custom work. “I had always dreamt of designing my own line of clothing, but had kept it in the back of my mind, as I didn’t have the confidence in my skill to put it out there.

“My friend, Rachel, found the admission info for ReJUVEnator [a Toronto festival intended to breathe new life into a stagnating scene] and suggested I apply. I was accepted and showed my collection in June 2002. Based on the incredible feedback I received at the show I decided to proceed with the business. A few months later, I decided to leave my regular job to pursue Minx full time.

“I spent time thinking about the name of the company, something that suited the logo and registered it officially in February 2003.”

Michelle’s tagline, Sexy, fun and unique, is a perfect summary of her style. Her quirky clothing is cute, fun to wear and is impeccably made.

Her education began in fashion management at Humber College, pattern making and sewing at George Brown College, and corset making at the Stratford Festival Theatre. Prior to the creation of Minx, she worked as a quality control manager for eight years in the garment manufacturing industry; this woman knows how to not just design, but produce great outfits.

Her interest in fashion began around age 13, when she learned how to sew. Her sense of style was shaped by music. “I listened to a lot of heavy metal and wore a lot of black.” she admits. “Once I hit high school, I was introduced to punk music, The Cure and Nine Inch Nails. During those years, punk was a pretty big influence. Then when I moved to Toronto at age 17, I was introduced to the goth/industrial club scene and that became home.”

Music plays a huge role in her life; she gravitates to industrial and metal and generally “ music with a heavy sound, and a dark edge to it. Einsturzende Neubauten is by far my favourite band – they are so innovative and unique, and very inspirational while I am working.” Michelle also lists Anathema, Cinema Strange, Fear Factory, Hocico, Tactical Sekt as favourites. “I also enjoy Delica and Nanochrist – both local Toronto bands and personal friends. Although I do still have a soft spot for Iron Maiden, The Cure and The Dead Milkmen.”

Her creative process is very hands-on. “Typically I’ll work from an idea in my head and translate it directly to fabric. It doesn’t always translate exactly as planned; there are times I’ll start a new design, rip it apart, and put it back together numerous times until it turns into something acceptable.”

The very first piece to become part of the Minx catalogue was the PVC Miniskirt, but not only does Michelle make fantastic PVC gear for women, but she makes fantastic clothes for men too. I overheard a friend of mine at a party claim that “she really knows how to cut a pair of pants,” and indeed, his Back Lace Pants fit wonderfully.

Minx Clothing can be seen at Posepod on Queen Street in Toronto and LIFE in Edmonton. In the next few years, she’d like to see her line carried in more stores across Canada and the U.S. and scale back on one-offs. You can also directly order at minxclothing.com.