Rosa Costanzo studied at Lasalle College, in the heart of Montreal, where she graduated from Fashion Design in ’97. While in her senior year at Lasalle, Rosa was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Smirnoff competition. After graduation, she worked as an embroidery designer for such high profile clients as Fendi, Valentino and Etro. Her embroideries can be found between the covers of Vogue, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar. Rosa’s position enabled her to work with such celebrated designers as Anna Molinari of Blumarine and Alessandro Dell ’Acqua.
Upon her return from Italy, Rosa immediately put her experience to work and launched her own ready to wear line, R o s a c o s t a n z o. Since her first small collection for Fall/Winter 00/01, each season has grown to be an incredible success. Her pieces have been worn to the 2002 Juno’s by Canadian singers, Kim Stockwood, Damnhait Doyle, and back-up singers for Amanda Marshall. Many of her clients consist of Canadian celebrities such as Jose Chouinard, among others. Recently, renowned Canadian actress Wendy Crewson wore R o s a c o s t a n z o to her “Suddenly Naked” premiere in LA. Rosa has appeared in numerous Canadian articles, including FQ, Flare Magazine, Elle, Elle Quebec, Style Magazine, and has had design pieces showcased on national television. Rosa has also outfitted Lauren Holly for various talk shows.
In March 2003, the Toronto Fashion Incubator chose R o s a c o s t a n z o to headline their prestigious New Labels Show for Fall 2003 during Toronto Fashion Week.
With all the success as an embroider in Italy, why did you decide to start your own brand?
Rosa Costanzo: I always had an interest in design since an early age, and this was a natural path for me. I have worked in the fashion industry since I was 22yrs old. I began work at a couture bridal salon, then transferred to Bologna, Italy and worked as an embroidery designer for clients such as Marni, Etro, Fendi etc.... I always thought to become and illustrator, freehand and for spec sheets. I wanted to work for a large design house, but ended up opening my own business after coming back from Italy. Because I moved to Ottawa, there were no fashions houses to design for, so I decided to work for myself
What do you consider to be your signature design?
Rosa Costanzo: Ultra feminine looks sexy, savage chic where functionality meets art with a blend of street and seduction.
How would you describe a person who wears your clothes?
Rosa Costanzo: My customer is a refined, independent women longing for comfort, and the dynamic needs of urban life. She loves quality goods that have a feminine flirty edge.
Do you personally wear many of your designs? If so, what are your favorite
pieces?
Rosa Costanzo: I do wear many of my designs. I have to say, I could not wait to wear pieces from my fall 2004 collection. I have many favorites, but I would have to say the piece that I pull out most often is a mesh tank with appliquéd mesh strips from fall-2002. I always love to mix and match my pieces with that of other designers that I admire.
Is designing difficult for you? When it is, what drives you to go ahead?
Rosa Costanzo: I love to design. I love color, texture, fabrics, everything involved in fashion design. It could be difficult because there is a lot of stress in the fashion business and you need to try to step away as much as possible to refresh yourself and your ideas. I have a need to make a garment more interesting from what I did the previous season. The thought of creating a garment that women would cherish and wear for years and that gives them a sense of excitement when they wear it, definitely drives me.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Rosa Costanzo: My style is a blend of creative elements combined with commercial aspects. I love to mix new fresh ideas, onto a garment that I believe could be attractive to the masses.
What inspires you? What do you have in mind when you design?
Rosa Costanzo: I don't have any one inspiration. I am usually inspired by what is going on in the world, be it music, fashion, politics or nature. I love to watch people, and to go out, and to see what people are wearing.
Who has been a greatest influence on your career?
Rosa Costanzo: There are two main things that have been a great influence to me. My Italian background is one of them; I love everything about my culture, my family, love of life, their constant drive to create beauty around them and to spark their senses. Another influence is Madonna. I love the way she constantly re-invents herself. I admire her drive to become a great businesswoman and artistic performer.
Q:What is your definition of beauty?
Rosa Costanzo: I love the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” because it definitely holds true for everyone. I believe beauty surrounds us in many elements of life, in design to technology, or in the simplicity of the nature's unique creations.
What inspired your spring-summer 2005 collection? Which themes, fabrics and colors did you choose for the upcoming season?
Rosa Costanzo: The inspiration for spring-summer 2005 collection was to design a line catering to graceful young women who like to turn it up a notch. A hint of vintage, playful, and sexy, I used a feminine pastel colored palette, punched up with bright yellows and stark white. Flowing lightweight chiffon fabrics, which contrasted with structured lines. Prints and carefully assembled patchwork pieces to throw in a diversified look.
Annie Kessler
Rosa Costanzo in Toronto:
Girl Friday
776 College St
Toronto, ON
(416) 531-1036
Propaganda Accessories
686 Yonge St
Toronto, ON
(416) 961-0555
Also in:
eriAle (Toronto)
Skirt (Toronto)
Studio Labiri (Toronto)
Schad ( Ottawa and Kingston)
Venus (Montreal)
Mijaneaux Designs (Woodbridge)
Rosa Costanzo 
