Tissue Fashion Shows: Part I (INTERVIEW)

We just can't get enough of fashion made from toilet paper here at Trend Hunter, so when we were given the chance to talk to renowned fashion photographer Caitlin Cronenberg about the 10th annual White Cashmere Collection runway show, Trend Hunter Tana Makmanee jumped in with both feet. Many of Canada's top fashion designers banded together to make these wonderfully accentuated high-fashion bathroom tissue gowns that will be flaunted down the runway in the Pink and White Gala at the AGO on September 25, 2013.

Trend Hunter: How does it feel to be involved in the White Cashmere Collection?

Caitlin Cronenberg: It's very exciting. I've been a big fan of this project for years. I feel really honored that they chose me for the tenth anniversary year. The collection is so outstanding, and the cause is so important. I feel really, really lucky to be a part of it. It's just so exciting to see what these different designers can do with the product. It's beyond my expectations. Seeing it up close with the different textures and effects they can achieve with it. It's mind blowing. You see pictures from previous years, but when you get up close to it and you actually see that it is yarn made out of bathroom tissue that's been knit into a dress, it's really impressive.

TH: How does this photoshoot compare to other ones you've done before?

Cronenberg: I've definitely never done anything like this before. It's a great shoot because everyone on the team is great. Our models are great. We have the entire run of the AGO, which is amazing. It's closed today, so we're the only thing happening in here today. It's so rare and I've never had an opportunity to work so freely in this space before. I don't usually have such a huge team and so many people at once moving so fast. It's really nice and a lot of great support today.

TH: You've had the opportunity to shoot all over the world. How does shooting in Toronto compare to other places?

Cronenberg: I love shooting in Toronto because I have my team here. It's also my home. I'm always well rested because I can sleep in my own bed. There's such great design, hair and makeup, and modeling talent right here in our hometown. I feel lucky whenever I get to do an exciting shoot here. My roots are here and it's nice to not have to leave every time I want to do work.

TH: How do you keep your work on the cutting edge?

Cronenberg: Is my work on the cutting edge? (laughs(/i) That's good to know! I don't think about it. I just try to produce work I haven't produced or seen produced before. I just hope it's original enough that people will want to look at it and want to bring me on to do more work. That's really all I can say. I just try to be myself and hope other people appreciate it.

TH: Is there anything you predict in the future for fashion photography?

Cronenberg: I actually think people will revert back to film and old school ways maybe. People love shooting film and that sort of analogue style is coming back. People are maybe too saturated with technology and they want to see what it used to be like.

TH: What would you take away from photographing bathroom tissue?

Cronenberg: It's all memorable. It's amazing to see so much talent in one room. I love being part of this project for the cause as well. I feel like it's a very important cause to support. Whenever I'm presented with an opportunity to help a cause like this, I feel lucky to be a part of it. I'm just excited to see the final results all together.