Describe a typical day at work.
-- Waking up to a text/phone call. Coffee. Check emails. Meetings, meetings, meetings…fashion.
What does a consultation with THE COLLECTIONS entail?
-- A consultation with us entails having a frank discussion about the Designer’s aesthetic and brand objectives.
How is THE COLLECTIONS instrumental in the growth an emerging designer? What do you offer?
-- We offer designers, creative production and marketing services focused on activating their brands. One way we do this, is by producing fashion shows for designers who are professionally ready to present themselves and promote their fashion design vision to the wider Fashion Industry.
What makes the job exciting for you?
-- Seeing great fashion before anyone else and meeting an eclectic mix of personalities.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Making the client (designer) happy.
What do you do when you’re not working?
-- Chill with BAE.
In the years you’ve been in the business, how has the Canadian fashion scene changed?
-- We’re the change in the fashion scene… —but outside of us, I suppose there’s been a flux of major fashion retailers now vying for the Canadian dollar, making the market extremely competitive. Oh, and there are way more awards and prizes acknowledging Canadian designers…
What does Canada need in order to support small labels?
-- First, not all small labels need to exist—sometimes those designers should be working for someone more established, who can mentor and pay them… but for the ones that insist, federally/provincially funded grants, bursaries and programs for Canadian/Canadian-based fashion designers and brand labels, would be helpful.
Why do you think major corporations are so intrigued with fashion right now?
-- BR: In our consumer-driven society, fashion consumers particularly seem most likely to spend money on other items identified as “luxuries” so, I imagine corporations representing various “lifestyle” products see the revenue potential in marketing themselves to a demographic concerned with “the finer things”… I think, I don't know.
What is your favourite part about putting together a show?
-- The final execution of the vision.
What is it like a week before fashion week for you?
-- Busy.
We know you’re very involved in the casting process for Toronto Fashion Week – what do you look for in a model?
-- BR: I look for a “good walk” from the models I’m casting. ‘Good’ to me is: effortless strides, perfect pace and posture (upright, chin forward, shoulders back, arms slightly swinging EQUALLY). Nonchalant confidence in the face—these things I need, in order to book a model.
Who are some up and coming designers to look out for?
-- Our designers: Jennifer Torosian, Daniel Christian Tang, Christopher Paunil, TRIARCHY, Ellie Mae, MARAM, Helder Diego, Sid Neigum, Beaufille, Matthew Gallagher… I can keep going…
What projects are you currently working on?
-- Presenting 8 Designers at TORONTO FASHION WEEK MAR 14 – 18! Also, we are honoured to be a part of Cadillac-Fairview Eaton’s Centre #myTorontoStyle national campaign.
What can we expect from THE COLLECTIONS in the future?
-- THE COLLECTIONS will continue to introduce the fashion industry to Canada’s most promising design talent.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a young professional in the industry?
Remember names!
