TORONTO – Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong already have their hands full crafting luxurious ready to wear for women as well as a separate line devoted to men’s looks.
But when Danier came calling, the Toronto-based design duo behind Greta Constantine couldn’t pass up the opportunity of a homegrown collaboration with the leather goods retailer – not to mention putting their stamp on another apparel line.
“We met with them and discussed the possibilities,” said Wong in a recent interview at a Danier location in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
“And we came up with this approach to taking a similar approach to what we have with our Greta Constantine label, which is this kind of ease and effortlessness, and adapted it to leather.”
Dubbed “jersey boys” for their embrace and use of the fluid knit fabric, Pickersgill and Wong have earned their share of attention within style circles for their broad range of offerings over the years, from sleek outerwear to draped, Grecian-inspired garments. The Greta Constantine label name comes from the combination of Wong’s mother’s name and Pickersgill’s grandfather’s name.
Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha and singer Nelly Furtado are among those who have been spotted in looks from their signature Greta Constantine line. The Toronto-born Rocha, who was raised in Richmond, B.C., even walked the runway last October in their spring 2011 collection showcase. Their men’s line, Ezra Constantine, was introduced in 2009.
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With the launch of the capsule collection, Greta Constantine Skin for Danier, Pickersgill and Wong are hoping to expand the reach and awareness of their growing brand.
“It’s such a great opportunity because a lot of our mainline collection is in a price point that might be inaccessible to most,” said Wong. “And even though these are leather (pieces), they’re actually in a certain price point which is much more accessible. And it’s just nice to be able to have that reach, and that kind of availability also.”
Steeped in a colour palette encompassing hues like black, eggplant and slate grey, suede pieces include a scarf-vest, asymmetrical wrap-bomber and long wrap coat. Leather garments feature shift dresses and coats in both a cocoon silhouette and a three-quarter-style car coat.
“We did what we consider second layers,” said Pickersgill of the capsule collection of six items ranging from $399 to $599.
While they’ve touched on the use of leather and suede in their own signature lines, they haven’t used it full-scale prior to the capsule collection, said Pickersgill.
“We usually do accessories, or like the odd coat … pants, but nothing as elaborate as this.”
The duo are also keeping busy with the unveiling of the second collection of their Primer line. The new looks comprise jewel-toned pieces and feature fluid silhouettes crafted largely from cotton jersey and silks.
“Primer, it’s a base coat … more weekend wear,” said Pickersgill. “The Greta collection is more for the red carpet, more out there. And this is more what you would wear on an everyday basis.”
In the meantime, Pickersgill and Wong are continuing work on their spring 2012 collections, which they say will showcase their signature-style DNA with a bit of a twist.
Despite their present hectic schedules and past successes, both anticipate the promise of wider visibility and potential of new clientele through their Danier collaboration.
“A lot of people are going to be able to be exposed to our work that normally would not be, so we’re excited about it,” said Wong. “We’re excited to see what’s going to happen.”
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Online:
Greta Constantine: http://www.gretaconstantine.com
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