Chloé Comme Parris is one of the hottest young Toronto-based labels. Run by sisters Chloé and Parris Gordon, the line has recently moved into a new studio just off Queen West on Ryerson Avenue. We caught up with the sisters to discuss their work, the fashion scene in Toronto and what we can expect from their next collection.
Chloé Comme Parris has swiftly gained recognition in the Canadian fashion world. What has helped make you stand out from other designers?
Parris: What we’re doing is different, and that is definitely being recognized. We’re very conscious of our brand, and have incorporated textiles, fashion, bags and jewellery into it. People have noticed that we’re really creating an image that’s not just one note.
You were both born and raised in Toronto, but chose to go to the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. What was the appeal out east?
Chloé: Well, I wanted to break free from my parents, and Halifax was far enough away but still felt familiar. The classes at NSCAD are small and very specific, and they grow smaller and smaller the deeper you get into the program.
In the past you have criticized the fabrics available in Toronto — is sourcing still an issue? Where do you find your fabrics?
C: The high-end fabric selection in Toronto isn’t very good. Vancouver has a good organics company and we get most of our knits done in Canada; otherwise, we do lots of sourcing in New York and Europe — that’s where the quality is. If you’re investing in a garment, it should feel awesome on.
Do you hope to continue growing the brand here — like Jeremy Laing — or head to New York or elsewhere?
P: Now we’re very content to be in Toronto, but we definitely want brand presence in New York.
C: New York is where the sales are, but you save lots of money staying in Canada. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on the Canadian market…. We’re going to take opportunities as they arise, and determine what will be best for both the brand and us.
Chloé Comme Parris recently moved into a new studio on Ryerson Avenue
How has Torontos fashion scene changed in recent years?
C: The Fashion Collective [who work with the sisters] has brought some new life here. Once they get more control they could really change Toronto. The Fashion Design Council of Canada [which runs Toronto Fashion Week] is very loyal to the David Dixons and whatnot, but there needs to be room for growth.
P: They [the Fashion Collective] really care about the designers.
C: They’ve been an amazing support team and really helped us align with the right contacts. My thinking is that if Canadian designers did a showing in New York, we’d get way more attention. There’s no money to be made from Toronto Fashion Week — the buyers are already done for the season.
Which Canadian designers do you look up to?
C: Jeremy Laing for sure — he’s taken an extremely humble, but well-calculated route. We have lots of respect for him.
P: Erdem Moralioglu is great and he’s done an amazing job creating an international presence living abroad. Denis Gagnon is wonderful, and is a real artist. Sid Neigum has a clear vision too and is well-respected in the community. He actually just moved to Toronto from New York due to living costs there.
What’s the next step for Chloé Comme Parris? Would you be interested in a collaboration like so many designers are doing now?
C: We’re interested in doing an “it bag” in the future. [Chloé designs the shapes; Parris the hardware.] We’re thinking about the entire look — once the ready-to-wear gains momentum, then we’ll move into other things.
P: We would love to design shoes — that’s something you progress to. It would be amazing.
C: I did a school project where I worked with a cobbler to make shoes, including a pair of thigh-high gladiators. It was definitely a learning process.
Who would you like to see in Chloé Comme Parris?
P: It would be awesome to see our stuff on editors.
C: My ultimate style icon is [Vogue Paris editor-in-chief] Emmanuelle Alt, she always has on something amazing that’s super effortless.
P: Rooney Mara would look great in our stuff and Kirsten Dunst is a classic beauty who will wear something like a tuxedo on the red carpet.
Have you started work on Spring 2013 yet? Can you give us any hints about what to expect?
C: We’ve been working on the collection for the past three weeks now. There are definitely some changes in our colour palette. I always look up to Miuccia Prada because her shows are always really exciting and you’re not sure what to expect. I never want people to be bored, or know what they’re in for.
What are your stomping grounds around town? Where do you both like to shop and eat?
P: Libretto’s a favourite for sure.
C: Origin too. And now that we’ve moved studios, we’re checking out places in the area like Come and Get It — our friend owns it — and Banh Mi Boys.
P: We shop Goodwill as well as Holts, The Bay and Jonathan & Olivia. The Narwhal’s great — we’re biased cause we’re carried there — but they have amazing stuff. We also love Fawn, the owner has a great eye.
