Mikhael Kale FW 2013 + Interview - Artscape Wychwood Barns in Toronto

{photos of the full collection can be found [here] at the end of my post}

Last week I attended Mikhael Kale‘s Fall Winter 2013 Runway Presentation at the Artscape Wychwood Barns in Toronto. I was blown away by the textiles and impressed with how well Mikhael Kale was able to incorporate a variety of styles into one cohesive collection. Styles ranged from dark grunge to light feminine; all the while maintaining glamour and luxury.

After the runway show I was given the opportunity to interview Mikhael Kale – one I could not pass up! Throughout this post you’ll read what I asked, and how he answered!

Victoria Simpson: What was the inspiration for your Fall Winter 2013 Collection?
Mikhael Kale: “I was really inspired by street style; then I was inspired by Nan Goldin and the women she photographs. She is an amazing photographer and documented all of New York in the 70’s and 80’s. She’s a recovering heroin addict herself; sort of in-and-out of it. All of her images are really raw; they’re very New York; very street. She always photographs people who are un-done and exposing themselves – they have issues and they’re confronting them. I thought it was a cool way to play with fabric, and watch it unravel.”
Victoria Simpson: “I could see this inspiration in a lot of your knits; and in the final jacket and dress. Fabrics that were unraveled, raw, torn.”

Victoria Simpson: I know that you used to live in Italy and went to school in London, England. Why did you decide to come back to Toronto?
Mikhael Kale: “Well, because I didn’t have a lot of money [laughs], and my parents had a basement I could work out of. I worked for a couple of design houses there – I worked for Bally, Exte, DSquared and Antoniao Marras; but as a young designer you’re sort of limited creatively so I really just wanted to do my own thing. I came back [to Toronto] and try something here. It worked! I got picked up by Holt Renfrew and that gave me momentum. I went to London last season, and I have a press team in New York. So it’s kind of coming together.”

Victoria Simpson: Well I’m glad you came back, because I love your work! And I love the detail!! I have to ask – is everything handmade?
Mikhael Kale: “Yes; even the textiles! Everything is handmade!”
Victoria Simpson: “A few of the pieces had full lace overlay with embroidery. That as well?”
Mikhael Kale: “Right, everything! I have a callus – see, do you see!?” [confirmation, Mikhael did have a callus, haha!]

{Myself and Mikhael Kale after the show & our interview}

Another season of remarkable fashion conquered by Mikhael Kale! Too bad we have to wait until fall to actually get our hands on it! BUT, his spring summer 2013 collection (here) was also to die for. So, as the warm weather approaches maybe you’ll want to add a few of these glamorous Mikhael Kale numbers to your spring wardrobe 😉