Lauren Chan
Chloé Comme Parris’ brand new studio (24 Ryerson Avenue, Toronto) has opened in perfect timing, as the label is soon to be in high demand. Following an impressive Fall 2012 collection shown at World MasterCard Fashion Week, the designer duo has wasted no time in their new studio space working on new clothing and jewelry. This season, Chloé Comme Parris created a custom chain that was incorporated into both the clothing and jewelry. They also introduced fur, studding, cufflinks, hand pleating, you name it! What’s more, their exceptional forearm bracelets cannot go unmentioned. The designers describe their ideal customer as effortlessly chic tomboy who dresses for herself and has an eye for clothing and accessories that are unique and engaging. It’s couture-made clothing for the effortlessly beautiful. You could say it’s a perfect harmony. [Dress to Kill]
PremierLife had the chance to speak to the designers about their in-depth design process and their highly regarded image. (Lucky us!) Check it out below.
As a designer duo, I’m sure you’ve seen the advantages and the disadvantages of having two creative minds under one roof. What challenges have you faced with this, and why does it prevail as a good idea to have both of you behind Chloé Comme Parris?
We believe that fashion today is about bringing together things that are different to create something new. Two halves make a whole, and opposites attract. We have always embraced the differences between our personalities and aesthetics—they are what make our product unique. So we don’t really see it as a challenge to have two creative minds under one roof, it is an advantage.
What is your design process like? What’s the most rewarding part of it? What’s the most challenging part?
We usually find inspiration for a collection while we’re in the middle of another collection. Once a collection is finished we’ll start researching and planning the next. We take reference in something historical and something modern. Once we’re done gathering images, we sketch, narrow down colour pallet, chose fabrics and materials, then begin sampling. We’re the type of designers who sketch as if anything is possible, so it can be a challenge to edit and narrow everything down to the bare essentials of what the collection needs to be. It’s always rewarding to see our ideas come to life…To see what we’ve put on paper become tangible and wearable.
Your Fall 2012 collection was outstanding! What pieces are you most proud of?
We used a lot of couture techniques on wearable clothing. Seeing those techniques work out was a great feeling. This season we created a custom chain that was incorporated in both the clothing and jewelry, introduced fur, studding, cufflinks and hand pleating. We were really proud of accomplishing the challenges we set out for ourselves at the beginning of the collection. It’s been rewarding to see the coming together of hard and soft to create beauty and romance with this collection.
What kind of girl wears Chloé Comme Parris? Can you describe who your ideal muse and/or consumer would be?
We describe our muse as an effortlessly chic tomboy. She is someone who dresses for herself and has an eye for difference and can find clothing can accessories that are unique and engaging. She has a taste for fine art and an eye for detail. She’s not showy or flashy but you can’t help but be interested in her or what she’s wearing.
Chloé Comme Parris is also noticed for the jewelry. Why do you put such a focus on accessorizing your clothing? Are you inspired by the same things for your clothing and your jewelry?
As Chloé was trained in textiles and fashion in school, and Parris in jewellery design & metalsmithing, CCP has always been a brand that offers its customer the entire look. As we try to appeal to a variety of customers and price points, the accessories are just as important as the ready-to-wear. The two lines are inspired by opposing elements to create harmony in the collection.
Right now you have a few stockists as well as an online shop. Where do you plan on expanding, if at all? What will be the future focus of your budding company?
We’re focused on entering the New York market next season. In the future we aim to make CCP a globally recognized brand.
