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DSM: “Do you feel that education is essential to budding designers?”
MMC: “I think it’s true you don’t need a degree to become a fashion designer however I’m a true believer in education. It’s also about credibility to have that degree behind you and to know as much as you can. If you don’t have your foot in the door already, fashion school is a great way for you to meet industry contacts and as a student people are willing to help you out, but if you’re a freelancer there is less of a pull of people wanting to take you in. You need experience, school gives you internship opportunities.”
DSM: “Why are your collections seasonless?”
MMC: “I was always buying a lot so my closets were filled with clothes and shoes. Now that I’m slightly older, I wanted to live a more minimalist life. I cleaned out my closet I noticed I have a ton of things that I don’t really need, especially living in Toronto your closet is prime real estate. I wanted to make pieces that women can really just leave in their closets and update with accessories. Also with the economy with the way it is today its not really appropriate or responsible to be purchasing so much, a couple years ago we were living in a time of excess we just wanted everything and too much of everything, and I’m
Monica Mei Chu
one of those people. As I said, Fashion is a reflection of the current times. At the same time it fits people’s lifestyles with work and travel. What I want Aime to be is about designs for women to make their lives easier so they don’t have to consider “what am I going to wear? I have to go to the office in the morning then I have to go to a meeting then dinner with my girlfriends” you can really seamlessly go from day to night and just bring an extra pair of shoes, earrings, makeup. So that’s what I try to do showing on stage at fashion week.”
Aime comes from “like” or “love” in French and the philosophy behind the line is to love yourself, love other and love luxury. AS the future of Monica’s lovely line only gets brighter her outlook on the role of fashion and social awareness prove that she has a great big heart.
In November, you will find AIME LUXURY at R4FASHION, a fashion event that celebrates eco- friendly fashion designers which takes place on Nov. 20 in Toronto. You can also catch her helping to raise money for Ovarian Cancer at Fashion Cures A La Mode in Ottawa Nov 4-7.
Designer Profile: Monica Mei Chu
Writer Brittany Maguire
Photographer Alexandra Brown
Perched atop the city’s skyline, in a bright, inviting space, Monica Mei Chu and I sit down to discuss travel, school and the future of her women’s wear line, AIME LUXURY.
Monica’s classic, feminine designs have made her the “one to watch” each season at Toronto’s fashion week but it’s her approach to women’s wear that makes Aime a staple in every woman’s closet.
DSM: “What got you interested in Fashion and Design?”
MMC: “I was very lucky, my parents always brought me travelling with them. They always wanted me to go out and absorb other cultures so I saw lots of beautiful things, I was always interested in beauty and art and films. I feel fashion is a combination of all my loves. Fashion really is a reflection with what society is right now. So I like being in touch with what’s happening currently and it also gives me an excuse to travel a lot. So that’s how I got into fashion. Of course I was buying a lot so my closets were filled with clothes and shoes.”
Shared Boutique
Writer Brittany Maguire
Photographer Alexandra Brown
Sharing is Caring, and Caring is So “In”
To share: to divide, apportion, or receive equally.
The founders of the Canadian brand of Fashionably-functional, eco-and socially-conscious organic basics finally share a little piece of their philosophy with Toronto.
Located in the city’s fashion district, Shared makes itself right at home as a fashion forward favourite for every consumer. From T-shirts to dresses and even, *gulp* hoodies these luxurious, soft organic cotton classics fit right in as a staple in every wardrobe.
For the past five years, Carlo Colacci and Joyce Lo, the brains behind this operation, have toted their brand around the globe. Shoppers in Hong Kong, New York, LA, London and Tokyo have been fortunate enough to get their hands on these beloved basics.
It’s Toronto’s turn now, and spending money never felt so good. The name Shared comes from the idea to “share” or donate 50 per cent of the profits with charities. The brand has worked with organizations such as Rethink Breast Cancer for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, as well as the Fashion and Design Council of Canada in ‘08.
They don’t stop there…
Shared also opens the boutique space to local and international artists, its walls becoming gallery space for the artists to sell and get noticed. Changing the art with the season, they also host the openings and chose the artists themselves. The space is a unique combination of old and new, with reclaimed wood walls, vintage furniture, and magazine cut-out collages.
Shared promises quality and affordability offering great pieces that are shrink free, and produced in Toronto.
For the ladies: the boyfriend tee ($62); a relaxed deep v-neck tee ($48); and a shawl-collar cardigan ($128).
For the men: the pocket tee ($55); the Henley ($72); and a ¾ sleeve fleece raglan ($82).
We encourage you to check out Shared, nothing feels sexier than a good conscience and cotton.
