When did you know you were going to be a designer?

For both of us, an interest in fashion and sewing came at an early age, however as life sometimes goes, our career paths began in a different direction.  It was later on in life that we both returned to our true passion. 

Where do you find inspiration for your collections?

Inspiration is a funny thing and comes at the most “unplanned” times.  Being open to your surroundings and aware of the elements that affect our daily lives is a never-ending supply of inspiration.  Also when you are dealing with two designers who collaborate, we are pulling from two resource pools rather than just the one.  It is the blending of those, sometimes very contrasting ideas, which makes Evan & Dean. 

What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?

Personal motivation/ drive

The ability to always be “tapped in” to the process of inspiration

Organizational skill to plan and schedule your calendar a year in advance  

What do you love most about your career?

The ability to translate ideas into three dimensional form and watch a collection take shape.  From concept to runway is really an amazing journey, one that makes all the sleepless nights worth it.  We absolutely love being able to provide fashion for women that inspires them and allows them to channel their authentic style statement. 

Describe your label in three words.

Refined.  Expressive.  Confident. 

Describe your personal style in three words.

Raymond:  Traditional/ Constructed.  An emphasis on architecture  and embracing history. 

Lyle:  Eclectic, rooted in dressing for the mood.  A love for bold accessories that have a story. 

What is the biggest challenge you face working in Canada?

The biggest challenge we face is the supply chain process, especially coming from Vancouver.  When we design a collection, we have to have everything conceptualized from day one.  In Vancouver, we just don’t have access to the sales reps and jobbers and wholesalers the way they do in the states.   

If you could change one thing about the Canadian fashion industry what would it be?

To have Canadian retailers buy more Canadian product and support the industry more. 

What designers have influenced you?

John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berrardi. 

What trends are you most excited about for Fall/Winter 08?

Fashion with a strong sense of architecture.  Emphasis on the shoulders and the waist  as evidenced in the collections by Balenciaga, YSL, and Prada.   Also loving the extra long wide legged trouser. 

Who would you love to see wearing your duds?

Jennifer Connely, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thandie Newton, Chloe Sevigny.

Describe your perfect day.  Where would you go? What would you do? What are your favourite spots in Canada – coffee shops, boutiques, fabric stores – we want to know!

Spending time boating and relaxing with friends at a Cabin in the Indian Arm.  It is a total paradise that exists an hour out of the city.  It is the perfect setting to be creative and open to amazing inspiration.  The serenity and breath taking views clear your mind of the crazy hectic schedules and allow you to refocus for the next season’s collection. 

We also love having latte’s at Delany’s on Denman street (they make the most amazing drinks). 

Friends are super important to us, and due to work schedules, we don’t get to be very social.  That said, a perfect day would include dining out with good friends.  We love Pair Bistro in Vancouver on West fourth, Pied aTerre on Cambie street as well as an excellent Sushi Restaurant Aji Toro. 

We both love great furniture and home décor and enjoy creating our home space into an environment that reflects our personalities.  Stores like 18 Karat on Granville street, and Restoration Hardware and Spencer Interiors play to both of our style statements.

Available at Tenth & Proper, Clack Clack Apparel, Juno & Jove – Sarasota, Apple the Second – Illinois. 

All Photos by Greg Swales