Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Fashion Designer

Sans Soucie, French for "without a care", seems an unusual title for this labor-intensive line. The garments remind me of organic sculpture or architecture and are part of the ambiance in Katherine Soucie's live/work space. Climbing up several flights of stairs to the sound of her miniature "guard" dogs, sipping herb tea in hand-made cups while we talk, and the pleasure of being surrounded by her elegant clothing is always inspiring.

Growing up in Ontario, the youngest of 5 (4 girls), Soucie's foray into the arts began at the age of 3 with piano lessons. At 8 she decided to create a wardrobe that was different and unique, clothing that would define who she was. Her closet full of hand-me downs provided the raw material and a stack of fashion magazines helped with the inspiration. The choice to pursue fashion design came naturally with studies at Fanshawe College, George Brown College, and Ryerson, followed by a move to B.C to study textiles at Capilano College. "Just like an architect, you need to know your materials." While studying textile arts she explored creating garments using non-traditional materials such as fabric dryer sheets and nylons. What started as a school project has turned into a couture business marketed internationally and worn by stars such as Halle Berry and Norah Jones.

"Really good designers that are going to have sustainable careers are the ones that I consider to have intellectual design, design that gives back." Each garment takes 2 weeks to evolve and is hand-sewn by Soucie personally. The reclaimed nylons are scoured, dyed, cut apart, silk screened, heat set, sewn into fabric blocks and then turned into a final garment with scissors, a few pins, a dress form and incredible intuition. What sets these one of a kind couture pieces apart is their ease of wear and care. The process stabilizes the nylons so they don't run; they can be put through the washer and dryer, need no ironing and can be packed in a suitcase. Nondescript on the hanger, they come to life on a woman's body. Her clients range in age from 25 - 70, the garments come in sizes 4 - 16, and the line is only limited production.

Inspiration for both the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 lines comes from the Edwardian period, in particular the "Belle Epoque". This was a time in history where women began to remove their corsets from daily attire and wear simpler clothing. 2 designers from that time that stand out are Erte and Mariano Fortuny. "A little of their philosophy is melding in with how and what I am (becoming)…I wanted to do some things that pay homage to their work." For fall the colors included mustard, black, purple and sapphire. Spring will see jewel colours such as fuchsia, magenta and green. The line has always included dresses, tops and skirts, but recently has expanded to include jackets, tights, socks, scarves and headbands.

What is next for Katherine Soucie? A men's wear line is in the works using organic soy, bamboo, cotton and hemp. She is also returning to school to work on her Masters in Textile Design. Sold in Canada, the U.S., and Japan, the Sans Soucie line will be available at the Circle Craft Christmas Market, November 7-11 held in the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. For more information, please visit her website at www.sanssoucie.ca.