Édition Puces Pop: Genevieve Savard 13 septembre 2010

Édition Puces Pop – Dans le cadre de la prochaine foire artisanale Puces Pop, À la mode Montréal vous présente le travail de designers locaux  qui seront présents à cet événement les 2 & 3 octobre prochains! 

Genevieve Savard

Genevieve Savard, une nouvelle designer très talentueuse, s'est récemment installée à Montréal. Malgré son nom très francophone, Genevieve Savard est très anglophone! La designer d'accessoires et de vêtements a débuté sa carrière en Alberta en travaillant à la jolie boutique Nokomis. En déménageant à Montréal, la créatrice a mis son "kit de couture" dans sa valise et a continué à produire des superbes sacs fabriqués à partir de cuir recyclé ainsi que des bijoux et des vêtements. Exit le granola! Les sacs de Genevieve Savard sont très portables et surtout très beaux. J'ai découvert ses créations à la boutique Unicorn, son premier point de vente montréalais. J'ai posé quelques questions in English à l'ex-albertaine qui, en passant, souhaite améliorer son français très rapidement!

Since when have you been designing? How did you start it all?

I have been designing for about 5 years? I went to Red Deer College in Alberta for costume cutting and construction and then after one summer of working for the Banff Arts Center I  went straight into fashion. In 2005 I began working for an independent clothing store in Edmonton called Nokomis. They had their own design studio where they made their own line. I started out sewing dresses and soon created and designed their accessories line. I gained incredible experience and worked with incredible women for 4 years. After the studio closed in 2009 I began my own line called Genevieve Savard and decided I could finally move wherever I wanted and explore this great country. I also started my own brand called Myrtle and Pearls in 2006 that was meant as a side project for making a few extra dollars in Edmonton's Royal Bison Craft Fair  but quickly grew into selling in stores all over Canada.

You're doing jewellery, accessories and clothing. Which one to you prefer?

I prefer accessories, it is what I am best at and most comfortable with. I began making accessories simply to fill a niche in our studio but like many decisions made from necessity  it turned out to be the perfect fit. I was always encouraged at Nokomis to make a couple clothing pieces each season and clothing is something I want to spend more time on in the future. I feel that without the clothing I can't fully express my ideas because the accessories I make can be very harsh and dramatic, I need that soft, subtle "other" layer to complete my vision. 

How would describe your style? What are your inspirations?

My style is homemade, broken down luxury. I wear a mix of my own designs, Canadian designers, old theater stock and vintage furs. Even though it's cliche i have to admit mostly I wear the same outfit everyday, but it's a good one, he he.
My inspiration comes from blogs, my dreams, my friends, nature and from talking out ideas and problems with my boyfriend/employee, who is also a designer.

You recently moved from Alberta to Quebec. Do both province have a very different fashion style?

Well I haven't lived here that long but so far… it's kinda the same. We all have access to the same online sources and even the independent stores carry a lot of the same brands. I do believe people here take more risks with their clothing and I guess that's why I came. The fashion community in Montreal seems to be thriving and that excites the hell out of me.

Where do you see your company in the next years?

I see my company growing in every way, there are always so many things i want to learn and make. I want to have a full line of clothing while still producing accessories. I would like to experiment with unisex clothing, precious metal jewelry and shoe making. I would love to expand the RATS studio and share the work space with other designers.

Venez la rencontrer à Puces Pop ou visitez la boutique Unicorn pour jeter un coup d'oeil à ses créations!

Genevieve Savard
Blog de Genevieve Savard

Puces Pop, 2-3 octobre 2010

Julia Vallelunga (647 Posts)

Julia Vallelunga est l’éditrice et la fondatrice d’À la mode Montréal ainsi que designer pour sa ligne d’accessoires La Raffinerie. Passionnée par le vintage et les voyages, elle adore dénicher des belles trouvailles d’ici et d’ailleurs. Bachelière en économie et politique de l’Université de Montréal, elle a travaillé comme lobbyiste (pour des gentils) à Bruxelles pendant quelques années et comme conseillère en démarrage d’entreprise. À 30 ans, elle a finalement trouvé sa voie comme entrepreneure!