"I want to apply myself as broadly as possible with my lines and not rely solely on trends as we know it or see it in the media. Having started out with custom jewelry, I’ve really experienced the splendid nature of how individual we all really are. I draw from the intimate. Whether it’s choice of materials, colour, weight, movement – we all have preferences and make choices based on these." – Melissa Clemente

As owner and principal designer of MCD, Melissa has been heavily influenced by the Filipino art forms of costuming, folk dance, and mythology. Her designs focus on fluidity and movement based on its placement on the body. With a taste-making ability that is as contagious as it is daring, she applies innovative methods to fashion through her fresh forms of story-telling.

Experimental couture lives at the bottom of this designer’s heart. With a background in sterling metal work, she has participated in numerous trade shows and events, which include Rosemount Fashion Week (Australia), L’Oreal Fashion Week (Toronto) and Ottawa Fashion Week. Melissa also regularly collaborates with various artist collectives throughout Toronto and internationally.