Tissue Issue: Antoinette Di Carlo Wins The 2025 Cashmere Collection

For the first time in over a decade, Quebec has claimed the crown at the 2025 Cashmere Collection, presented by Kruger Products—and it’s all thanks to Montreal’s own Antoinette Di Carlo. Known for her exquisite couture and romantic silhouettes, Antoinette wowed audiences with a breathtaking gown inspired by the blooming magnolias of her hometown. Her win marks a record-breaking year for the one-of-a-kind fashion-for-a-cause showcase, which has raised over $5.5 million to date for Canadian breast cancer charities. We caught up with Antoinette to talk about creativity, compassion, and what it means to turn bathroom tissue into a work of art. —Noa Nichol

Your winning look was inspired by the blooming magnolia trees of your region—walk us through how that inspiration moved from a quiet moment in nature to the voluminous silhouette and delicate floral details we see on the runway. What was the creative spark?

I wanted to create something elegant and ethereal. My design actually blends several current trends: elements inspired by wedding dresses, like fitted corsets and drop waists, but also more structured silhouettes typical of ready-to-wear fashion such as tuxedo collars & plunging necklines. The idea was to create a feminine, timeless aesthetic, with added volume for a more dramatic effect. And of course, I wanted to use as much Cashmere tissue as possible! Magnolias bloom in early spring in my region, and for me, they symbolize renewal, new ideas, and hope. They’re delicate, beautiful, and resilient — everything I wanted to convey in my design.

How did public voting shape any part of your design choices or storytelling for this year’s “Tapestry of the North” theme?

It feels truly wonderful and humbling to have my work recognized by so many people. I wanted my design to be relatable and approachable, something that would feel authentic and resonate with a wide audience. In that sense, the public’s response definitely influenced how I approached my design, encouraging me to focus on elements that could connect emotionally while staying true to the theme.

Working with Cashmere tissue as couture material is such a playful, charitable challenge—what were the biggest technical or conceptual hurdles you faced turning a household staple into ballroom-worthy fashion, and how did you overcome them?

It was definitely a challenge because Cashmere bathroom tissue is very fragile, especially when using an industrial sewing machine to seam it together. I did several samples to determine the stability of the garment to make it wearable for the model. The structure had to be well fitted however had to resist tearing.  In this case we fused the inner layers of the tissue for stability & added boning to the lining part to support the outer layers. For the skirt, we used a crinoline as a backing to give the tissue paper volume & protect the inner layers from tearing.  It required a lot of patience and precision, but the end result was worth it.

The Cashmere Collection marries fashion with fundraising for breast cancer—how do you balance creating a stunning piece with honoring the campaign’s emotional and philanthropic purpose? Did any conversations with survivors or advocates influence your design?

Speaking with survivors and advocates was incredibly moving and deeply inspiring. Their stories reminded me that a design can be more than beautiful — it can carry meaning and pay tribute to courage and resilience. Every detail of my piece was thoughtfully created to support the cause and celebrate these women, which made the process even more meaningful.

On a personal note—what’s one lesson from this project or from the past year as a designer that you’ll carry into your next collection, and what do you hope this win opens up for you creatively and professionally?

This project taught me the importance of taking creative risks while staying true to a purpose-driven design. This win motivates me to continue exploring bold ideas in my next collection and opens exciting opportunities for collaboration. Professionally, it’s a reminder that fashion can inspire and connect people in ways that go far beyond appearance.