Interviews

As a proudly First Nations accessories designer who hails from Saskatoon, Helen Oro is the creative force behind Helen Oro Designs. Earlier this autumn, Oro was in Toronto for Startup Fashion Week, where she had a chance to showcase her stunning pieces. From drawing energy from unique sources to her challenges thus far as a rising designer, Real Style had a chance to catch up with Oro about fashion and much more.

The edgy and stylish streets of Montreal are certainly a fit for Ifigenia Papadimitriou’s label LaMarque, which focuses on her passion for leather. LaMarque presented a recent Spring/Summer 2018 collection at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week, which featured furry jackets, neutral trousers and basic black and white looks. From her girl power inspiration to a love of street style, here’s everything that LaMarque’s founder had to share with us.

With her focus on body positivity and her gleaming, sequined frocks, Lesley Hampton is quickly making a name for herself on the Canadian runways. Most recently, the talented rising star unveiled a Spring 2018 lineup at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week. We spoke to the designer about the powerful theme behind her latest collection, her passion for diversity in fashion and her dream celebrity clients.

Real Style caught up with designer Farley Chatto backstage at the 2017 White Cashmere show. The Toronto-based design talent, who is best known for his elaborate fur outerwear, was a designer judge at the annual fashion show. With his eponymous label marking its 30th anniversary, we spoke to Chatto about his favourite memories in Canadian fashion, the joys of teaching and the future of the business.

Recently, Real Style had the chance to interview established Canadian designer David Dixon at the 2017 White Cashmere show at Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum. From his creative views on transforming tissue into wearable art to his thoughts on Canada’s up-and-coming fashion talent, here’s what Dixon had to share with us.

As a Toronto-based sportswear label, Bustle Clothing was established in 2002 by lawyers and husband and wife team Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow. Fast forward 15 years later, and Bustle is known for their athleisure and funky yet sporty pieces for men and women. Recently, Real Style had a chance to speak to creative director Hewson backstage, following Bustle’s Spring 2018 show at Toronto Fashion Week.

With the rising temperatures quickly ushering in a season of filmy blouses and flirty frocks, there’s no denying that Summer 2017 is in the air. With the season of summer style here, Real Style spoke to fashion expert Jamie Krell. The American stylist and trendsetter spoke to us about perfecting your outfit of the day for the season ahead.

With the balmy temperatures causing fashionistas everywhere to step out in their favourite strappy creations, there’s no denying that it’s officially time to update your lingerie collection. Recently, Real Style had the opportunity to chat with creative director Katia Charle, who is the artistic force behind French lingerie label Simone Pérèle. As we await the season of sun, sand and sea, we spoke to Charle about updating your undergarments for Spring/Summer 2017.

To Temple St. Clair, inspiration can be found anywhere, even under a rock. More specifically, the rock in this situation is a gemstone, and the inspiration is usually the creative energy needed to create her intricate baubles. Real Style spoke to the soft-spoken and courteous jewellery design talent about working with gold and drawing influences from her global travels.

As the creative director of Fidelity Denim, it’s safe to say that Jason Trotzuk is passionate about jeans. With denim reigning supreme for Spring 2017, Real Style had the opportunity to chat with Trotzuk about trends in jeans.

Although Toronto-based designer Luis Padilla may be a new name in the Canadian fashion industry, Padilla’s eponymous label is rapidly rising. For the upcoming season, the designer has shown his collection at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week and most recently, at Fashion Art Toronto 2017. Intrigued by Padilla’s no-fuss yet detailed approach to geometry, Real Style spoke to the creative enigma backstage at FAT 2017.

No longer just a rising whiz kid in the world of Canadian fashion, Montreal-based designer Brit Wacher has come a long way from her humble beginnings. Real Style spoke to Wacher backstage at Fashion Art Toronto 2017 about her latest collection, creative inspiration and newfound passion for vivid colours.

Yana Barankin and Erik Dales were working in Bangladesh when they established TAMGA Designs in 2014. The two had been working in the field of international development when they saw first-hand the negative effects the fashion industry had on the community and environment. Recently, Real Style had the opportunity to chat with Barankin and Dales at the 2017 Green Living Show in Toronto. The co-founders spoke to us about their expansion, creative challenges and the sustainable garment industry.

While the global fashion capitals of Paris and Milan may come to mind when one thinks of couture, designer Antoinette Di Carlo prefers to stay closer to home. Real Style spoke to the Montreal native about her artistic inspiration, couture role models and more.

With our nation’s freezing temperatures and endless winter, it’s no surprise that Canadian coats are known for being practical yet chic. As a Montreal-based outerwear designer, Joseph Tassoni is passionate about layering and comfort. Tassoni recently showcased his Fall 2017 “Queen of the North” collection at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week, taking his inspiration from the notoriously frigid climate of our country. From sourcing fabrics to taking his cues from the women in his life, here’s what the designer had to share about his label.