WEAR LOVE
An Interview With Robin Kay, President of The Fashion Design Council
of Canada and Executive Director of LG Fashion Week
By Lucian Matis, designer
LM: Is there a particular garment that had a big impact and memory in
your life? Can you describe it? What happened when you wore it?
RK: Agnes B, 1981, front snap cardigan, changed my life. Every piece I
ever designed was based on that cardigan. I was in Paris, looking to find
something. This piece told me I could do knitwear. When I saw the cardigan
I knew that I could do it. There was no such thing as one size clothing then.
I created that, with jacquards and prints, narrow or baggy. That cardigan
was it for me and was my touchstone for a good 25 years.
LM: What is the colour of love in your life?
RK: Nude.
LM: Has your style changed over the years? What excites you this year?
RK: I get very excited at Supervalue in Winnipeg and about the Joe Fresh
over-the-elbow wool glove for fall. (Joe Fresh is available at Supervalue.)
The changing of the seasons excites me. They are a fashion inspiration.
LM: In terms of mentoring designers, what is it like to see them grow over
the years?
RK: It is inspiring to watch designers evolve and assist in their successful
growth.
LM: I remember I came to see you years ago. Now you are even more of
a hero.
RK: I came to talk to you after your show at Ryerson. You had created amazing tailoring in ball gowns. It was spectacular. I loved it and encouraged you to see the world, to experience Milan, and you did.
LM: Yes, I did. But I came back three months later. It was like swimming with big fish.
RK: And now you have shown for four seasons. It is a pleasure to watch you becoming well known. I have done many trips to Italy and the most fascinating aspect of their fashion machine is that the cottage industry does so much garment work — Prada, Gucci, Missoni, Fiorucci. Here, in Canada, we are so worried about great names, when those strong Italian names are sustained by the cottage industry. Why not have 100 women sewing at home to sustain the business? Design and embellishment are very detailed. These are garments that cost $1,100. You should develop a cottage industry. Designers here should cultivate this.
LM: Have you found a difference in LG Fashion Week over the years?
RK: I started Fashion Week eleven years ago with the vision and passion to
create an international platform event. I am proud to see where it is today. LG Fashion Week has over 30,000 attendees, with the audience containing more international media and buyers each season and a significant increase in the variety of designers showing, expanding the demographics and hitting each media and retail level. Canadian designer names are on the national radar. The concept of Canadian designers is a reality.
LM: How do you see Canadian designers asserting themselves compared to
aspiring designers in the US, the UK or Europe?
RK: Design is global. It is a universal understanding that fashion and design
can transcend borders and boundaries. Canada has produced many interna-
tionally recognized designers and has consistently been able to brand itself
as a country with design savvy, home to marketable brands. In relation to the aspiring designers from the US or Europe, Canadian designers have a fresh point of view and the ability to solidify a name in the industry without years of apprenticeship in large fashion houses like Europe. They also have a less design dense market to shine in versus the chaotic clutter found in the US. Canadian designers still face many challenges without the strong support of the government or multiple agencies working on their behalf. The FDCC takes pride in creating an international runway for these aspiring designers and established icons to promote themselves to buyers and media.
LM: Can you explain the aftermath of LG Fashion Week in terms of retail
sales or media exposure?
RK: LG Fashion Week is a catalyst for designers to increase media exposure
and sales. Last season witnessed over 321 million media impressions and the attendance of three large international retailers at the shows, in addition to the hundreds of boutique buyers that attend each season. LG Fashion Week creates the atmosphere for designers to grow their sales and brand. One designer moved their office from B.C. to Toronto as a result of the numerous accounts she opened last season during the week.
Check out more of Lucian’s work at www.lucianmatis.com
Dress by Lucian Matis
Necklace and bracelet by Jewellery By Karen
Photography by Arkan Zakharov
Style by Alexis Honce
Make-up by Ava Stone
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