Interviews




The Head Master

Real Style Fashion Correspondent Hilary Alexander met up with the world famous hat designer Philip Treacy in his studio in London.

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Designer Monique LHuillier On Her Lasting Marriage With Fashion

Let them eat (wedding) cake! Slicing through more than two decades in business, designer Monique Lhuillier’s eponymous label, which started in 1996, is coming up on 21 years.

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Japanese Designer Kenzo Takada On Finding Harmony In Fashion

When one thinks of the name Kenzo, images of bright abstract designs and an eye-catching colour palette instantly come to mind. After all, the French fashion house has long been associated with vibrant tones, zany prints and athleisure.

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Anna Sui Shares Her Most Memorable Moments, On And Off The Catwalk.

La Nuit de Bohème doesn’t just describe Anna Sui’s latest fragrance; it also pretty much sums up the fashion designer’s ultra-fabulous career. From famous friends to bold designs to her signature red lip, Sui is the sum of parts—a glittering past laced with a sense of adventure, a creative spirit who doesn’t shy away from statement looks. She’s like a storybook heroine, only her story doesn’t begin in some faraway land.

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Designers Peter Pilotto And Christopher De Vos Venture Beyond In Search Of The Unexpected.

“We don’t look at being two creators as a challenge—it is a benefit. There is a dynamic tension at times, which is what is sometimes needed to bring a collection to the next level,” says Christopher De Vos, who sits at the helm of London-based luxury womenswear line Peter Pilotto, alongside his designer counterpart and the label’s namesake. “Together there is more of everything—more ideas, more energy, more support and more fun,” De Vos says, describing how more is more when it comes to their partnership.

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DSquared2’s Dan And Dean Caten Are Fashion’s Visionary Duo

With 21 years of runway experience, it’s no wonder identical twins Dean and Dan Caten have culled such an impressive celebrity fan base. From their signature distressed denim to fur-trimmed outerwear and sharp blazers, the Canadian brothers have been combining their creative skills for more than two decades, most notably with their much-loved label DSquared2.

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Beloved Designer Betsey Johnson Stands By Her Lipstick, Diamonds, Champagne And Rock & Roll.

“I go from the cheap, sparkling wine, up to a couple sips of Cristal,” says fashion designer Betsey Johnson, sharing her impartial love for the bubbly. “Champagne is very up. It’s like an energy drink.” If that’s the secret to the 71-year-old’s hustle, spunk, optimism and trademark cartwheel, we say pop that bottle.

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Fancy Foot Work – Sarah Jessica Parker on party shoes and why the shoe must go on.

This article originally appeared in the December 2017 issue of Real Style magazine by writer Heidi Hofstad. Become a Real Style subscriber and get the hottest fashion, beauty and celebrity news, enter exclusive subscriber giveaways and be the first to receive the full digital version of Real Style magazine every month. Click here to subscribe […]

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Designer Yigal Azrouёl Is Leaving His Mark On The Fashion World One Creative Stitch At A Time

     The first thing you notice when visiting the clean architectural space that houses the Yigal Azrouёl flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York is exactly that—how it matches the clean architectural feel to his clothes.

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Model Kim Cloutier Speaks To Real Style At “STITCHED” Panel Featuring Joe Zee

Recently, Real Style had the opportunity to attend the Toronto Fashion Week panel for STITCHED, Slice’s new Canadian fashion competition series which premiered on September 9. The show features model Kim Cloutier as its host, along with Canadian stylist and journalist Joe Zee and ELLE Canada editor-in-chief Vanessa Craft. Here’s everything that Cloutier had to share about the show, the changing modelling industry, her favourite Canadian designer label and more.

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Designer Hayley Elsaesser Talks Diversity, Design And Fall 2018’s Coolest Colour

Recently, Toronto designer Hayley Elsaesser presented one of her signature vibrant, technicolour runway shows at Toronto Fashion Week Spring 2019. Real Style caught up with the spirited, bubbly designer backstage following her show, where Elsaesser spilled on her creative inspiration. From adapting to a world of fast, temporary fashion to embracing diversity, this design star had much to share. As well, read on to learn more about what Elsaesser’s favourite Fall 2018 colour is, and her best tips for wearing this cool, vivid hue right now.  

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Tabitha Simmons On Shoes, Motherhood And Life In The Fashion Lane

“I first look at their eyes and then I might look down at the feet, but it’s definitely eyes first. My mother would kill me if I wasn’t like that,” laughs Tabitha Simmons

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Canadian Designer Christopher Paunil On Fashion, Art & Youth Mentorship With UForChange

Recently, Real Style had a chance to attend the UForChange Vivacity 13 gala at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto. The annual evening of fashion and arts features Canadian eveningwear designer Christopher Paunil as a design leader, and highlights creative talent among the community’s youth. With Christopher Paunil presenting an upcoming runway show at Toronto Fashion Week on September 5, it’s certainly been a busy few months for the homegrown brand. From staying youthful as a mentor to his biggest fashion dreams, here’s everything that Paunil had to share with us. 

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Designer Stephanie Ray On Her Career Wear Label Grayes

With the balmy temperatures upon us and another Canadian summer ahead of us, nine to five gals are officially wondering what to wear to work. After all, evening plans with friends, the sticky humidity in the air and the more laidback vibes in the office can certainly leave you in a style rut.  Wondering how to update our own business wardrobes, we caught up with emerging Canadian designer Stephanie Ray of women’s work wear label Grayes. 

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Accessory Designer Jennifer Behr Chats With Real Style At White, Toronto

When we last caught up with Jennifer Behr in 2016, the New York City-based accessory designer had made a trip to Toronto and stopped by Yorkville bridal boutique White, Toronto. Two years later, the creative soul who is known for her bridal headpieces and feminine hair decorations has now branched out into the world of fashion jewellery. We talked to Behr about accessory trends for this season and much more.

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