Closet Calls
Andrea Lenczner: We have been friends since high school and lived together in university. We talked about doing something together and our ideas took many forms, but it was always related to fashion.Christie Smythe: We had a real connection together over fashion. If I bought something amazing, Id tell her Run, dont walk you have to get this top! There was always a dialogue.A.L.We took different paths in our education but always kept in touch. Christie did design at Parsons and went on to phenomenal jobs at the Gap and Cline. I did my MBA and took a circuitous route to becoming a buyer at Holt Renfrew.C.S. Our business started when I called Andrea and told her that my husband and I were moving back to Toronto so if were ever going to do it, it was now. I loved my work at the Gap design office in New York at the time, but I didnt think Id be able to recreate that experience here. The only thing I felt would be parallel to it or even better would be doing our own line. The second I said it, Andrea said yes.A.L. The blazer was Christies idea it came up very quickly in the initial conversation and I was like, Yes! Twelve years ago, as a buyer, there was a whole denim craze happening. 7 For All Mankind jeans were the Holy Grail everyone was buying $300 pairs. We didnt have that before, and what did you wear with it other than your suit blazer? A lot of young women were buying jeans but werent able to afford a designer blazer, and that was really the only option. The second Christie said blazer, I saw the gap in the market the opportunity.C.S. Men had the sportswear jacket and so many choices, but women didnt have that choice. Back then there were no novelty jackets at all, whether it was a blazer or a weekend jacket. Andrea and I always loved the jacket as a piece of apparel. We would hunt them down while vintage shopping in Montreal ones we still own. We loved it as a piece of transformative clothing. You put a jacket on and you can have anything on and feel put together, cool and polished. Its a powerful piece of clothing.
Rack Stars
C.S. When we had our first cute sample jacket that we were super-proud of, I thought, OK, we can do it. We can make it.A.L.I think it took me a bit longer. I needed to see multiple cute samples and different styles.C.S. Really?A.L.Yes, and then I knew when we showed the collection to a fashionable friend of ours who was very enthusiastic. She was the first person we shared it with before our initial meeting with Holt Renfrew. Thats when I felt encouraged. Holts picked our first season and really put us on the map it was a huge deal.C.S. Another milestone for me was when I saw the first person that I didnt know wearing one. In my head, I was like, She spent her money on that. She chose it when she had other choices.A.L. For a while, I thought it was just all our friends and family buying the blazers.C.S. Andrea thought that for years and Id have to say, No, babe, we dont know that person.
A Healthy Schedule
A.L. I look at working out as my responsibility, not my indulgence. Before, as soon as things got very busy at work or at home with my childrens schedule, it was the first thing to fall away. Now I look at fitness as part of my job, and that has really turned things around for me. I try to go to the gym or studio at least three times a week and in the morning because its the only way to guarantee a workout. I have been weight training for the last decade with Paula Ryff of Ultimate Athletics. She is amazing.C.S. Im less into athletics and more into spiritual health, also known as lying down while you exercise. I do a private Pilates session once a week with a trainer because I dont like gym culture. I dont like running into people and being social when Im exercising, so I was really happy when I started those private sessions. In the past year Ive gotten into yoga, following a girls retreat in Tulum, and Ill do any form of it. Andrea and I have enjoyed restorative yoga together, which is a lot of lying down. Plus, there are blankets thats my vibe.
Best Advice?
C.S. Im very much a this too shall pass person, whether its a small situation or a big issue to deal with, personal or business. Its also important to take time to reflect when something good happens. Its really hard to do when youre busy.A.L. Buy the best and youll only buy once is such a good credo. Thats the type of clothing were trying to make.
A Royal Affair
This bestselling silhouette makes an appearance every season and has officially been renamed after you-know-who.Smythe Patch Pocket Duchess Blazer, $695
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