Thursday, July 28, 2011

[Un]Discover: Rachel Sin

It’s always a pleasant change to meet a designer who has interests outside of fashion. While a passion bordering on obsession is needed to make it in such a demanding, fast-paced industry being able to shift gears and remove yourself from the madness is also necessary. Canadian designer Rachel Sin is the embodiment of that duality. Architect extraordinaire by day (Sin has earned a Master’s degree in Architecture from Carleton University) and fashion designer by night the Hawaiian-born, Toronto raised designer is the talent behind the self-titled label Rachel Sin.

The go-getter woman who is perpetually on the go managed to extricate herself from her her whirlwind schedule (she was in the middle of preparing for the Ukamaku Closet Sale) to answer some questions about balancing architecture with fashion, Canadian designer collaborations and her new Model Off Duty collection. Check out the interview after the jump.


You have earned a Master’s degree in Architecture from Carleton University. Why did you decide to pursue a career in fashion design?

I’m one of those want to do it all people. Fashion design is another channel for creative release, it was something that I always wanted to pursue, but did not think I had to go to school to study. I took sewing classes while completing my Masters in Architecture at Carleton University.

Architecture and fashion design are very similar, but expressed at a different scale. The smaller the scale the more design control you have. Demanding perfection is no easy task in architecture; you must be meticulous and always demand quality. With my clothing line, I enjoy the fast pace release of each new season and the expression of creativity where I have full design control.

Do you see your knowledge of architecture as a benefit or a drawback when it comes to fashion design? How so?

I do not think I would have been as good of a fashion designer, if I did not study architecture. Architecture is the basis of design. You study balance, proportion, symmetry, choosing the right material—all of which can be applied to fashion design.

I do not see it as a disadvantage because as an architect you are foremost a designer and you are passionate about good design. You get excited when you see something well-made or elegantly designed. When you see something beautiful, you can’t take your eyes off it and you can’t keep it out of your mind. I hope to extend this feeling to my designs that catches the eye and becomes that must-have item in your closet. Making something well-designed is a rigorous process and as an architect you understand this.


As I understand it when you launched your line you had minimal design training (sewing classes at night). Was it challenging designing a collection without that design education behind you?

Designing a collection is the fun part and the part I enjoy most. It is the business side that is challenging and I am thankful to my career in architecture that has instilled a high level of professionalism and the ability to market a product properly.

What were some of the challenges that you experienced while designing that first collection?

I think it takes a couple collections for any designer or artist to establish a style or language. With each collection you learn to make better choices, from fabric selection, quality of materials to precision in cut.

Describe the Rachel Sin aesthetic?

My sculptural and streamline designs are an extension of my experience as an intern architect. An attention to unexpected details is what makes my collection unique. Whether you are putting on a dress for day or night, you should never have to try too hard or look overdone. Understated style is looking polished in a form fitting dress that combines precision in cut and demure sensuality.


You collaborated with Canadian jewellery brand Gardé Del Avante for your Fall/Winter 2011 presentation. Why did you decide to collaborate with the brand? How do they fit into the Rachel Sin aesthetic?

I met the designer’s of Gardé Del Avante through Can-Con online store Ukamaku. We met at one of the store’s pop-up showroom sales. I love the bold statement pieces and hit it off with designer Naanafya Adu. We played on the model off duty and model on runway look. It is always exciting doing something new, collaborating with Garde Del Avante brought the runway experience to another level and created something edgy and unexpected.

As any artist or designer, you are constantly defining your style and reinventing yourself. What I love about the new collection is that it combines unexpected elements to achieve a balance of sensual cool with an edge, a polished look with understated style. I love pairing sensual lightweight fabrics with edgier metallic sequins or thicker sculptural fabrics.

For the Model on Runway versus Model Off Duty, we had two different models walk down the runway wearing the same dress. One model was styled more high fashion with a very polished look, while the second model was styled more relaxed with a laid-back cool look with an edge. This interplay between models created a fun opposition that is unexpected and emphasized the play on delicate verses hard edge.

You know you look good when you are comfortable in your own skin, when you don’t have to try too hard, when your wardrobe becomes an extension of your confidence, originality and personal style.


Can you explain the inspiration behind the Model Off Duty line? Why did you decide to expand the line to include separates?

I love the Model off the runway look, a style that so quintessentially describes Rachel Sin. So downtown cool, so rocker glam, so effortlessly functional. We had so much fun expanding the collection to include a new line of separates appropriately named Model Off Duty. Look for something to stand out in, whether it is texture that that draws the eyes without being overbearing or exquisite detailing that you can’t take your eyes off of.


What is your inspiration for your next collection?

Inspiration is never one thing or a light bulb you can turn off and on. As an architect you are continuously inspired, you are typically the obsessive controlling type that has the need to shape your own environment. You learn to open your eyes to the everyday. As a passionate designer, you get excited when you see something well made or elegantly designed. When you see something beautiful, you can’t take your eyes off it and you can’t keep it out of your mind. I hope to extend this feeling to my designs that catches the eye and becomes that must-have item in your closet.

In architecture the design of a space can set the mood and create an ambience, for clothes it is the same question—how does it makes you feel? I think of a woman attending an event in a modern space, what would she wear that would complement modernist design and become as timeless as the building itself.

You’ve recently relocated from Ottawa to Toronto. Why did you decide to make the move?

I’m originally from Toronto, so this is a return home. We would like to increase brand visibility and brand awareness in a larger city like Toronto.


What has been your most memorable fashion moment?

Designing a new collection is still my favourite part of the whole creative process, with seeing your hard work walk down the runway following a close second. There is nothing like choosing your own fabric, creating the initial sample and seeing the finished product for the first time. It is a laborious process and with an architect’s eye you scrutinize every detail , fit and function. There is always a charm to wearing a dress for the first time, but by the time it hits the boutique sales floor, it will have already gone through photo shoot, runway, press and already be filed away in my mental archive. Moving on to the next project...

Who would you love to collaborate with (whether it be brand, model, photographer, etc.)?

I would love to collaborate with an accessories designer, particularly handbag line like Nella Bella. I think it would really complete the look, style an outfit in a way that women can relate to. Working women need a go-to hand bag that works, fits everything they need for their busy lifestyle and at the same time express who they are.

Check below to hear Rachel Sin speak about her Model Off Duty collection.

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