Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Fashion Designer

Leanne McElroy credits a blue skirt she saw while looking through an In Style Magazine in grade 9 for setting her future course. The talented designer responsible for the Elroy Apparel label started down her current path from that moment on, but has taken the journey slowly and with many side trips along the way.

Hard to believe a high school student with limited sewing experience would think she could make a skirt with a few measurements and no pattern, but that is just what McElroy did. While the outcome was not exactly what she had hoped for, it was the first of many such ventures. By Grade 12, sewing class consisted of independent projects while assisting other students. Graduating with an art scholarship there was no question about her future direction and she chose Helen Lefeaux because of their emphasis on couture and creativity. The teaching staff was amazing, the training exceptional, and her hard work paid off when she was awarded Designer of the Year. To recuperate after graduation, 4 months were spent traveling through Australia, Thailand, and other parts of Asia. The inspiration found there infected her with the travel bug and she has taken follow up trips through Asia, Europe and to the Grand Canyon.

While some time after traveling was spent creating "one-of's" and producing a lingerie line called "underdaaks", McElroy decided 2 years ago it was time to start developing the label that would become her trademark. Visual by nature, she has "about 8000" journals lying around the house filled with her ideas. Two are carried with her at all times. Included are drawings, notes, sketches, magazine clippings, anything that inspires her. Committed to renewable resources and a confirmed vegan, the niche that drew her was a fashionable tailored line made out of organic fabrics using low-impact dyes. Described as "sophisticated street wear", the Fall 2007 collection was the first season for Elroy Apparel. BC Fashion Week took notice and McElroy found herself as one of 3 competitors in their Generation Next competition.

What stands out is the varied selection of coats made out of heavy organic cotton. They are beautifully tailored with hints of her Asian travels in some and a suggestion of 40's/50's Audrey Hepburn in others. Woven garments include pants, skirts, and dresses. Completing the line is a soft bamboo knit used for tops and dresses. Black, navy, and gray comprise most of the color scheme with a few knit items in a striking electric blue. Spring 2008 will see the influence of her trip to the Grand Canyon. The desert colors, the erosion on the rock faces, all the natural elements are evident in this collection. Dresses have a larger presence and the collection includes a bamboo fabric hand-woven in Nepal. Soft and supple, it has the feel and drape of silk. The line has a "...layered look. I love pin tucks, pleats, it's a lot of work, but people love it, it looks amazing on...It's couture in detail but doable." The colors included are olive green, black, cream, white, and a flaming red.

Locally Elroy Apparel can be found at Shop Cocoon, Riot, Twigg and Hottie, Halfmoon, Nouvelle Nouvelle, Portobello West, and on-line at paper-doll.com. Please check her website for out of area stores. www.elroyapparel.com