Designer and creative director Ilan Elfassy knows the importance of solid outwear firsthand. Born in Montreal, he grew up in a fashion-industry family whose business specialized in leather coats. Since launching in 2004, SOIA & KYO has received a cult following in Canada for revolutionizing the puffy parka and giving us Canucks more than a few ultra-chic options to keep cozy.
We caught up with Ilan and asked him the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHY of the Spring 2014 collection. See his answers below!
WHAT was
your inspiration for the spring/summer 2014 collection?
The Spring/Summer 2014 collection is an escape to a rooftop garden. Inspired by
its soft breeze and lightness, the collection offers the perfect balance
between sophistication and minimalism. The colour palette reflects soft skies,
delicate floral pastels and the beautiful earth tones found in nature.
WHY do you love showing
in Toronto and the energy at World MasterCard Fashion Week?
We’ve been showing in Toronto for many years now. We love the ambiance and
creative energy that surrounds the shows, as well the opportunity to meet with
media, clients and buyers.
We look forward to collaborating with talented artists and amazing sponsors in
the industry. It is an occasion to see how other Canadian designers are
evolving.
Also, we love Toronto: visiting our showroom and checking out new boutiques, restaurants
and hotspots.
WHEN people see the
collection what do you hope they’ll take away from it?
We hope people sense a soft, fresh and modern collection that illustrates an
effortless, natural beauty. This season has brought some changes to the brand:
we’re celebrating our tenth anniversary, and have a new logo and website that
reflects our growth and evolution. We can’t wait to show off our new look
during fashion week.
WHO is the 'SOIA & KYO' woman, and what is she doing on a Saturday afternoon in Toronto?
The SOIA & KYO woman embodies a feminine beauty with classic style. She
spends her Saturdays shopping, walking downtown along the harbour front, and
enjoying a drink and a bite to eat at a relaxed and trendy spot.
WHERE do you see yourself
and your brand in five years?
We’ve branched out internationally and see ourselves building on this over the
next five years. We’ll be growing and expanding our global presence to become a
dominant brand in the outerwear market.