We caught up with Soia & Kyo designer Ilan Elfassy before he showed their fall 2013 collection on Thursday at Toronto’s World MasterCard Fashion Week. Here’s what the outerwear designer told us about the good and bad of fashion week, and what trends to expect in fall 2013.
29: For most of the year, Canadians are wearing outerwear! What do you think about when designing outerwear?
SK: Warmth, functionality and style! These are three aspects that we take very seriously.
29: What silhouettes will we be seeing this fall?
SK: For women, a wide range from fall bikers and fitted lightweight downs to feminine wool silhouettes and utility parkas. For men, biker leathers, puffy winter bombers, classic slim-fit wools, stylized duffels and oversized parkas.
29: What fabrics will be emerging this fall?
SK: Washed leathers and lightweight down, flat and boiled wools and mixed tweeds
29: Where did you find inspiration for your fall collection?
SK: The collection is inspired by the fluidity and texture of soft metals. Subtle shine is scattered throughout the collection through the use of muted coppers and high shine silvers.
29: What are the days building up to fashion week like for you and your team?
SK: The days are always long and very full. It’s always a bit challenging coordinating schedules, meetings, fittings and bookings. We get very little sleep and drink lots of water
29: What is your favourite and least favourite part of fashion week?
SK: The energy and intensity around the show; this is definitely an exciting time for the brand. There is so much work that goes into planning for the shows it’s always exciting to see how the new collection is received. Least favourite¦ we really like our sleep!
29: What elements does a great coat have? And what coat can you not live without?
SK: Fashion & function. My favourite is our warm winter parka.
29: What are your hopes for the future of Soia & Kyo?
SK: To continue our global outreach and increasing brand awareness. We listen closely to the feedback from our customers so that we can improve our quality and product assortment with every season.
