Smythe and Beaufille to release blazer collaboration

TORONTO – The Canadian design duos behind two notable womenswear brands are teaming up and fusing their styles in a new collaboration.

Smythe co-founders Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe have joined with sisters Chloe and Parris Gordon of ready-to-wear and accessory line Beaufille to create a blazer for spring 2015.

For the collaboration, Smythe’s classic Smoking Jacket silhouette has been fashioned from jacquard. Fine artist Eve Gordon – mother to Chloe and Parris – handpainted the imagery on the garment based on a vintage Chinoiserie brocade. The blazers also showcase a Beaufille custom-designed dragon emblazoned brass metal button.

“The design community in Toronto is small but connected. Ten years in, it’s always inspiring to meet emerging designers who are making their mark,” Lenczner and Smythe said in a statement. “When Chloe and Parris approached us about working together, we were thrilled. With Beaufille, the collaborative process was educational (for the old guard), fun and, as good design often is, effortless.”

Smythe recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with their 10X10 collection which took 10 of the label’s signature silhouettes which were reinterpreted for fall.

The homegrown brand is well-known for its sleek, signature blazers, jackets and coats, and counts the Duchess of Cambridge among its most high-profile clients. Kate was initially seen sporting a Smythe navy blazer during her Canadian tour with husband Prince William in 2011 – and has worn it several times since.

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Beaufille has established a presence within and beyond Canada’s borders, with runway shows at Toronto’s World MasterCard Fashion Week and items stocked in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and Cairo.

The blazer will be available in blush as part of Smythe’s spring 2015 collection and will arrive in stores in early February. The jacket will then be carried in a pacific blue hue for pre-fall.