While she may live a fast-paced corporate existence during the day as a business consultant, Candace Daniela Lau transforms into a creative force after hours. The emerging Canadian designer studied business and economics at the University of Waterloo, and pursued the Bay Street life after graduation. However, Lau also harbours a burning passion for fashion, which led to the launch of her eponymous Toronto-based label in 2014.

Real Style caught up with the bubby rising designer last night at Toronto Men’s Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017. Here’s what Lau had to say about blurring the gender lines in fashion, her signature aesthetic and her favourite Canadian design talent.

Real Style: What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?

Candace: I moved down to the lake (Harbourfront area), and I just think being out by the water, you see a lot of people jogging. It’s more active, more spring/summer, and more fun. I work on Bay Street as a business consultant, nine to five, so I’m around people in corporate clothing. It was just a different feel this time. Moving to the lake, you kind of get away from that corporate life and I think that’s what inspired me to do something a little lighter.

Real Style: You’re an up-and-coming Canadian designer, but would you say you already have a signature design aesthetic?

Candace: The last two pieces of my collection, somebody called it a “ninja” look! I like leathers and I usually like darker colours. This was actually kind of challenging, with the florals. For Fall/Winter, it’s very structured, boxy and military. It’s how I like my men!

Real Style: How do you balance your daytime career in business with your nighttime passion for fashion?

Candace: Oh, I have no life! I have such a supportive team at work. They let me take off the week to work on it [the collection]. Whenever I have interviews or magazine stuff during the week, they’ll let me take a day off. It’s manageable, if you have a good team like that.

Real Style: How can women embrace your menswear collection and embody the androgynous look, off the runways?

Candace: A lot of my coats are actually unisex. I was kind of trying to go toward the gender neutrality trend. It was very difficult but I wanted to make some pieces that will work on men and women. For October, we are doing another show, and you will actually see some of the coats on the girls, paired really differently.

Real Style: Who are your favourite designers and fashion icons?

Candace: I think Sid Neigum. I watched his first Toronto Fashion Week show, and I’ve seen him grow. He’s such an inspiration, especially being a Canadian designer.

Real Style: Lastly, which wardrobe staples will you be wearing this fall?

Candace: Candace Daniela! I really like standing out, so I’m still feeling the capes, a lot of the zippers and gold accents.

Photo 1: Candace Daniela 

Photo 2: Yaryna Rybak- Autobahn Media