2016 – Kate French Wear

November 10, 2016Kathryn

Why I like Charli

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I try to find the perfect combination of macro-trend designs in great fabric, at a reasonable price. Charli is one of those lines where the value is high because the fabrics are fantastic and they are on trend but not in the “fad” zone. One example is their Camden coat (left). 100% Lambswool, it’s the real deal. Soft, warm, light, amazing hand. It’s the same fabric you might find at a luxury designer down the street (see the beige jacket top left) at approximately 1/3 the price. The Charli Camden jacket is far more trendy with the unfolded notch collar. Luxury fabric without the luxury price.

October 25, 2016Kathryn

AG Jeans – Farrah high rise in 360 contour

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We started carrying AG Jeans in the spring. It is one of the world’s best selling denim lines. It made a list of eco-friendly denim a couple years back. I wore my white boyfriends a lot in the summer. But then THIS pair showed up and I can not get them out of my mind. I tried them on and found I needed to size down twice and I love how I look in them. Which means I love how I feel in them. I could probably do yoga in them. They’re like butter. I might be ruined for any other denim.

October 6, 2016Kathryn

A moment of hope

She walked in with a halo over her head and sunshine radiating all around her. If this works out, she will be my newest best friend, my hope, my angel. Introducing Melissa.

Melissa is a pattern maker and seamstress. She was referred to me by my favourite tailor Lanni, one of the sweetest people in the world. Because Lanni was amazing, I have hope for Melissa. She showed up on time so we were off to a good start. I showed her my pattern block, my dress form, my progress to date. I told her how difficult the process has been so far to find a good pattern maker and production team (here or overseas). She took one look at my pattern and knew where the dart would end, ½” from the awl hole. Yayyy! Inside of 10 minutes, I could tell she knows what she’s doing. The lingo, the pitfalls, she didn’t miss a beat.

I tore 2 meters of muslin (inexpensive fabric that designers use to make samples to test for fit and design accuracy), rolled up my pattern block (the pattern template that all future patterns will be based on) and asked her to make a sample so we can test the block on the mannequin (you’ll hear my jaw hit the floor if it doesn’t fit, because I got 100% on that pattern in school).

I asked her if I should order my labels. It was a direct question of her confidence in getting production done. With the perfect balance of reflection and confidence, she said yes.

Stay tuned for the next episode ….

July 4, 2016Kathryn

The Many Faces of Denim

I can’t remember a time where so many different silhouettes were on trend in denim. On the one hand it’s great to be a denim girl because you can find pretty much any style you like. Here are a few examples:

Boyfriend Distressed White — AG Boyfriend Distressed

But on the other hand, the silhouette variety can demand some attention to style each out out properly. For each pair of jeans, we like to find you 3 different tops to give you the range you need to make your wardrobe work for you.

One rule of thumb is variety – if you have a skinny bottom, pair it with a loose top not a tight fitting top. If you have a loose bottom, try a fitted tee or blouse.

Come in any time and we can show you lots of options to wear the silhouette (s) you love.

January 24, 2016Kathryn

We’ve Moved: 2843 Granville Street

KATE FRENCHGranville Street12th Avenue2843 GranvilleN Almost four years ago now, I opened my door on 4th Ave West in Kitsilano. That door was closed a week ago today. And on Friday, we opened our new door on 2843 Granville Street.

Being the sap that I am, I want to take a moment to thank Kitsilano. The people I met, the experiences we shared, the outfits we created, the puppy treats we handed out, I will be forever grateful for your warm welcome and personality. I will miss my wonderful neighbours and wish them all the best in their relocations.

We hope to see you soon at the new location. It has a completely different feeling, a little more French Contemporary, thanks to Ally Spino Designs. Fresh paint, floors, sconces etc. Not to mention all the new clothes that we put out over the last few days.

Frank from L’Atelier Patisserie made us some welcome chocolates. I hope you can stop by to say hello very soon and have a little bonbon. Don’t make me miss you for too long.

A votre service,

Kathryn