Chloe & Parris Gordon
As promised a few weeks ago, here is an exclusive interview with the lovely Chloé and Parris Gordon owner of their own clothing label Chloé comme Parris. Two young promising designers with a real talent to take the best out of nature.
When did you first decide to launch your brand? And why?
About 5 years ago we decided that we wanted to work together, an idea that had been in the works until now. It was in early May 2009 that we came up with a name and launched Chloé comme Parris. We wanted to get into fashion and jewelry because of our passion for creativity and uniqueness. Over the years we have grown tired of not finding what we’re looking for in stores, so the only option was to start creating. We have the utmost care and respect for luxury goods, items that can be passed down and treasured for generations; we aim to contribute to this tradition.
Could you tell me more about your inspiration and influences that led to your latest collection?
The inspiration for this collection stemmed from the foreign and exotic–incorporating imagery and techniques from exotic cultures into a modern, wearable context. Referencing nature was a huge part of the collection as we are keen on the environment and showing the beauties of all things natural, through clothing and decoration.
Our mother is an artist–a painter and sewer. We have grown up, literally, in a work of art. Our mother painted every wall, floor, ceiling, and surface in our home transforming an old townhouse into an incredibly unique and original space. Every nook and corner of our Toronto home is adorned with pattern, European aesthetics, and references from the 18th century. You could say our inspiration and influence began at home.
Do you work for your brand full-time or I assume after-school?
We work for our brand everyday, simultaneously juggling the demands of art school (NSCAD University) as well. We work hard at prioritizing time in order to achieve what we are really passionate about–creating high-end and professional wearable art. We have always been anxious about creating and establishing our brand–an idea we came up with about 5 years ago. This is something we have always wanted to do; it has always been a goal.
Do both of you design each product or each of you is dedicated to specific items?
Chloé, 21, is the designer and creator of all the clothing on the website, as well as all of the leather and feather jewelry in the current collection.
Parris, 19, is the designer and creator of fine jewelry which will work its way onto the website in late October. Her handmade, steel wrap-around bracelets are featured on the models throughout the lookbook of the current collection.
How would you describe your styles? A favorite brand/designer you wear a lot? And do you wear your own collection?
We definitely wear our own collection, we love what we make. We both have an eye and appreciation for the same types of merchandise, items that are timeless and unique. However, the things we each fill our wardrobes with differ in style and aesthetic. Chloé gravitates towards more earthy bohemian pieces, and Parris chooses more glamorous, rock’n’roll-inspired things. Designers we admire and support include Yves Saint Laurent, Zandra Rhodes, Betsey Johnson, Fortuny, Rei Kawakubo, and Hussein Chalayan.
What are your upcoming projects or else to be released?
A new collection of clothing and fine jewelry debuting at Atlantic Fashion Week in Halifax, Nova Scotia (late October). These collections will be for custom-order on the website in late October.
Are your products available online?
Chloé comme Parris products are available online by placing orders through our website. Some items are one of a kind, while others are limited edition (ex. only 6 Fringe Jackets were made, they will not be re-created). This is because everything we do is made by hand, a luxury that we believe will make people feel unique in our clothing–something that a certain demographic will desire, in realizing that not everyone will have what we make.
[...] of zippers. Overall, the collection looked cohesive and was a great opener. (Check out this interview with the sisters that I found while googling reseraching [...]