In the last judging session for TFI's New Labels, there was a poignant moment where the judges realized how far the finalists had come through the competition. Montreal-based Patrick L’Arrivee already had orders from 57 retail shops for his namesake outerwear collection. That's right, 57. (Can you even name 57 stores in Canada that sell outerwear?!)
An example of what to expect for his runway styling proved that Patrick had literally arrived. "You took everything we said, and appreciated it," exclaimed Suzanne Rogers. To win over retail is one thing; to win over Suzanne Rogers is another.
The judges agreed ditching the red leather was a good move by Sid Neigum. "I didn't have the time or money to make it meaningful," he admitted. It's important to know where and when to stop when a piece isn't working. Given how many things Sid has had on his plate over the past five months, it highlighted his focus and strength. Between traveling, finishing both a women's and men's collection for Fall 2012, market weeks, store appointments, a fashion show at Toronto Fashion Week, producing and shipping 2012 and researching spring 2013....well, let's just say there wasn't a dull moment. "I love that."
Jameson Kane had "great hanger appeal" according to judges David Dixon and Arie Assaraf. "Very important." Hard to believe six months ago the label was just a dream. Designers Genevieve Pearson and Stan Capobianco were unanimous in their enthusiasm. "We are so happy we listened to our hearts. What would have happened if we decided not to go for it? So now we are always listening to what our hearts tell us."
For Diego Fuchs and Helder Aguiar, the challenge has never been knowing where to go, but the getting there. "Our challenge has been distance and time," said Diego. "I live in Richmond Hill and he lives in Hamilton. And we both work full-time jobs." Evidently, distance makes the bond grow stronger, as the boys noted that every step of producing the [blak]-i (pronounced black eye) was shared quite evenly.
On Thursday it's all on the line, as Joe Zee says, for these four finalists. Only one can walk away with the big prize. But don't expect anything bitchy behind the scenes. "You'd expect a group of people competing for $25,000 [cash] to be aggressive, to say the least. This is not the case at all. Everyone has been nothing but supportive of each other and everyone in the running is talented and deserving of the prize," surmised Sid.
So Canadian, eh?!
Stay tuned to @TheFList on Twitter for updates from TFI25 starting at 6pm.
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| Patrick L'Arrivee's Fall 2012 collection |
An example of what to expect for his runway styling proved that Patrick had literally arrived. "You took everything we said, and appreciated it," exclaimed Suzanne Rogers. To win over retail is one thing; to win over Suzanne Rogers is another.
 |
| Patrick L'Arrivee's Fall 2012 collection |
The judges agreed ditching the red leather was a good move by Sid Neigum. "I didn't have the time or money to make it meaningful," he admitted. It's important to know where and when to stop when a piece isn't working. Given how many things Sid has had on his plate over the past five months, it highlighted his focus and strength. Between traveling, finishing both a women's and men's collection for Fall 2012, market weeks, store appointments, a fashion show at Toronto Fashion Week, producing and shipping 2012 and researching spring 2013....well, let's just say there wasn't a dull moment. "I love that."
 |
| Sid Neigum Fall 2012 womenswear |
Jameson Kane had "great hanger appeal" according to judges David Dixon and Arie Assaraf. "Very important." Hard to believe six months ago the label was just a dream. Designers Genevieve Pearson and Stan Capobianco were unanimous in their enthusiasm. "We are so happy we listened to our hearts. What would have happened if we decided not to go for it? So now we are always listening to what our hearts tell us."
 |
| Jameson Kane Fall 2012 |
For Diego Fuchs and Helder Aguiar, the challenge has never been knowing where to go, but the getting there. "Our challenge has been distance and time," said Diego. "I live in Richmond Hill and he lives in Hamilton. And we both work full-time jobs." Evidently, distance makes the bond grow stronger, as the boys noted that every step of producing the [blak]-i (pronounced black eye) was shared quite evenly.
 |
| [blak] • i Fall 2012 collection |
On Thursday it's all on the line, as Joe Zee says, for these four finalists. Only one can walk away with the big prize. But don't expect anything bitchy behind the scenes. "You'd expect a group of people competing for $25,000 [cash] to be aggressive, to say the least. This is not the case at all. Everyone has been nothing but supportive of each other and everyone in the running is talented and deserving of the prize," surmised Sid.
So Canadian, eh?!
Stay tuned to @TheFList on Twitter for updates from TFI25 starting at 6pm.
Amazing style! Love the outerwear!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Leesa. We should all support our great Canadian designers :)
ReplyDeletewww.jenniferchoy.ca