The bubbly Chantelle Anderson — fashion design student at Canada’s George Brown College and daughter of From Thought To Finish’s co-director Janice Tyson — is enjoying the eats and atmosphere at the monthly Brunch & Rhythm event at Downtown’s Waterfront, hosted last Sunday. With seven months to go before she graduates, Chantelle is relishing her time in the sun and we pull her aside to catch up.

What are you sipping?

A fruit smoothie.

What kind of day are you having?

It’s an amazing day. The sun is great, the wind is blowing, I’m about to eat some good food and listen to some good music. What else do you need?

Socialite or homebody?

I am a good mix of both. There are times when I like to be at home but I’m definitely a social person.

Flats or stilettos?

Stilettos. Flats are for people who run after kids (laughs).

Jeans or LBD?

LBD. I do not own any denim jeans. They’re just not comfortable enough. They’re restricting and there’s only so much you can do with denim and no more.

Who does your hair?

Yvonne Anderson at La Claire’s. She’s the only person I allow to cut my hair.

Who does your nails?

Miss Paulette. She does an amazing job.

In a sentence how would you describe yourself?

A very complicated person.

When did you develop this interest in fashion?

When I was younger my mother and aunt were models and I used to look at their pictures and try to dress like them. Then I went through my tomboy phase and one day I woke up and couldn’t recognise myself. Then came another flip where I was back in my mother’s heels and that sort of led me to where I am now.

What was the first garment you designed?

I actually wore it to Caribbean Fashion Week last year. It was a high waisted floral print skirt. Looking back, there are things that I could have done differently with it but I’m proud that was the first thought and follow-through that I had done.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Don’t give up.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given?

Try harder.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

Someone who is kind of like myself. That person can’t be a strict socialite or a strict homebody, there has to be balance.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

Perhaps going to dinner and then to a lounge or the club after. That’s really for a first date though, because you don’t want to have anything too intimate. It’s all about getting to know the person and having a good time.

As for other fashion designers, who do you like?

I cannot single out any one designer because I like a number of designers for different reasons. I do not have a favourite. There are certain things about certain designers that may catch my eye.

What celebrity would you want to see wearing your designs?

I’m going to kick myself for saying this, but probably Rihanna. She may have her issues, but the fact that this is a Caribbean woman who has made it so far, that’s a big thing. I am proud of her and all that she’s achieved.

When you’re not inschool where’s the best place to find you?

Here at home in Jamaica.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Only God knows. I wouldn’t be able to tell you. Even if I were able to share a plan I have for myself, God would probably laugh at me for it.