Toronto Designer Farley Chatto Interview

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Toronto designer Farley Chatto likes design. From his eponymous mark (reckon elegant, well fitting menswear and womenswear with a European panache) to his work as a teacher and advocate. his passion for fashion is palpable as seen in the gorgeous fur jacket on the cover. He spoke with Real Style about his new line, the ethics of fur and what it’s like to dress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Real Style: You’re launching a luxury fur line this fall, which you debuted at Toronto’s World Mastercard Fashion Week-what inspired the new management?
Farley Chatto: Being a veteran Canadian designer, the go to fur is something to keep the fires vacant! I have loved fur since my university days. Alas, in the mid 1990s and early 2000s, fur was not so chic. Quick-forward to eight years ago, and fur slowly started to creep back into collections and on the runways of the world. This sparked my like again, and taking the NAFA (North American Fur Association-the original HBC Fur Company) workshops helped remind me of the beauty this dying art possessed.
The look and feel (of my line) is beyond doubt luxury-black NAFA mink, Chinchilla, Russian Broadtail-and it has an simple, wearable approach. It’s for men and women, and gives new shapes and silhouettes that one would not deliberate “habitual.” Beyond doubt not the fur coat your mother wore!

RS: Fur is such a touchy subject-how did you navigate the politics of it?
FC: There will always be haters. You have to like the haters, and educate them. I let them know how the industry works, that we work with land and the regime (we work with wildlife and fisheries, who guide the trappers and farmers), and for many people this is a way of life and tradition. By looking for the NAFA & OA (origin assured) mark in your garments, you are guaranteed that the fur is from ethical farmers and trappers and that you are buying the highest quality fur that we can provide. Living in cold climates, it is an brilliant natural way to stay warm and stylish!

RS: What inspires you?
FC: This is a hard question-I am always finding inspiration wherever I go! I tend to go to bookstores (yes, I still buy actual books!) first or the LEGO store. Books always inspire my imagination, and I like my fashion and art coffee desk books-incredible sources for reference and inspiration! LEGO brings me back to my childhood, and to simpler times. I find that playing and building frees my mind, and opens up the creativity. As well, being out and living downtown always inspires me-be it a building, garbage on the ground or the unique way people dress. My mind is a sponge and stores those clarification, which pop up as inspirations in the oddest times! The best part of being a designer: the collection of inspirations we store in our heads and how we interpret them later!

RS: You’ve been a director and board member of FGI (Fashion Group Global)-why is this vital to you?
FC: FGI has a special place in my heart-brought on the board in 2006, I was with the organization (as a board member and former Regional Director) for accurate to eight years, allowing me to realize that our members and I are part of the larger fashion family. It was splendid to make those connections and see that we are not alone in our struggles, victories and innovation. Being a part of this incredible global organization made me proud to be a Canadian designer. Toronto was always considered one of the leaders and innovators in the organization, and that makes me proud.

RS: You also teach at The Academy of Design and Ryerson University-what lesson(s) would you teach your younger self if you could go back in time?
FC: I am proud to be bringing my experience and information to the next crop of designers and merchandisers! If I went back in time and taught myself, I would have made myself be more studious in the business classes.

RS: What was the most vital thing you took away from your apprenticeship with Giorgio Armani?
FC: Interning and apprenticing is key for young designers (or any profession!) to experience and have. By interning and apprenticing, you learn so much and start the skill of networking. Happily the people I have captive and networked with are now not only colleagues but also splendid friends too! We have supported each other over years and that is one incredible skill that one cannot ever lose! It is not about being paid; it is about the information and connections you gain being in the industry-the best way into any trade! I always encourage students and new designers to take the opportunity when it is given.

RS: You’ve dressed Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker and Drake-how were they to work with?
FC: The honest truth, effective with celebrities has been easy and a joy! For the most part, they have been agreeable and flexible! (As I have been with them.) I think the most vital part is to listen to them, to know their style and to suggest (based on their style) your thoughts for them that best suits them. It’s what has worked with me and has resulted in some incredible collaborations!

RS: Marvel person you’d like to dress?
FC: Daphne Guinness. I adore her style, her “avant-gardeness” and her singular beauty. For her, I would make a form-fitted gown that would have a full diaphanous skirt that would teach out in the back. The gown would be covered in crystals and fur! I would have a fur stole/cape or shrug to end off the look and incredible shoes. Louboutins, of course!

Formerly Printed in Real Style Fall 2014.

Photo: Farley Chatto

Original article: Toronto Designer Farley Chatto Interview