Local Designer of the Week: Rachel Sin

I was at Colourbomb at HUSH tonight eating amazing cupcakes, drinking lemonade and sifting through racks of clothes searching for something that might catch my eye. My hunt was interrupted by a girlfriend who wanted me to pass judgment on the dress that she had found. As she stepped out of the change room, I was stunned. The perfect strapless LDB hugged her body perfectly while accentuating all her best assets. I instantly fell in love. 

At consignment stores, I often check the labels (yes, yes I admit! I am a little bit of a label whore!) and to my pleasant surprise I saw the words Rachel Sin stitched into the back.

I originally came across the talented designer when I was researching ideas for the Wig. I had pitched an idea to my editor at the time about covering the Ottawa fashion scene. He looked at me like I was crazy .... An Ottawa fashion scene? Yet, as I started to Google "Ottawa Fashion" I kept on finding pages upon pages of information. 

Designers, models and bloggers....oh my!

I finished my internships at the Wig and sadly my editor didn't seem to like the idea of publishing articles about Ottawa fashion. But when one door closes, another one opens and voila! Rachel Sin is my local designer of the week.

Here is just a little bit of information on a fabulously talented Ottawa (and Toronto) based designer:

How has your background in architecture helped you as a fashion designer?

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

I really think of myself as an artist.  What inspires me is art, architecture and the everyday.  As an architect, 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.  Naturally after architecture, fashion design comes easily.   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.

Why did you decide to become a fashion design?

I’m one of those want to do it all people.  I can’t let myself get bored or become unuseful, I’ll pick up a new interest and pursue it all the way.  Fashion design is another channel for creative release.  It something that I always wanted to do, but did not think I had to go to school to study.  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.

What was your inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2011 line?

The unexpected combination of feminine with an edge.  I love when studs or metallic details are added to very feminine piece like a blazer or leather accessories.  It’s a very rocker glam look, metallic details like sequins, shimmering fabrics or leather are added to a soft or sensual fabric to give a twist.

What sets your designs apart from everything else out there? 

What sets me apart from other Canadian designers is that each dress is impeccably tailored and exquisitely detailed—refined and sculpted to the form of the female body, with architectural lines that are strong, yet feminine and always at ease with effortless function.  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. 

What advice would you give designers out there who are considering starting their own lines?

Work hard and you definitely have to be passionate about what you do.  Starting your business is hard, creating a successful clothing label is even harder.  No one becomes successful overnight.  By the time you hear about any new talented artist, they have been working hard and perfecting what they do for a very long time.

Where do you hope the Rachel Sin brand is headed in the future

Last year the Montreal label Mackage opened their Paris store on Boulevard St. Germain.  I can’t say that I wasn’t jealous and I can’t say that isn’t a dream of mine.  I always imagined designing my own store that housed my own collection, with a small studio loft above it.

Where can people buy your pieces?

Hush Clothes

All point of sale listed at online store www.rachelsin.com / www.ukamaku.com

Rachel recently presented her pieces as FASHION FOR FUNDS. Enjoy these drool worthy clothes:

I am GAGA over dresses with sexy backs

The designer herself! BRAVO