On the final night of this season’s TW Toronto Women’s Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Quirion following her Fall/Winter 2018 runway collection. The Montreal-based Canadian designer creates uniquely structured, classically tailored pieces with dramatic flair that mix feminine silhouettes with androgynous looks. Several pieces from Karen’s collection caught my eye and it’s a pleasure to introduce you to Karen and show you some of my favourite pieces from the runway!
Karen confesses that she didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a fashion designer — instead, fashion design is what became the medium that allowed Karen to express herself. Always a creative person, Karen is someone with a strong and distinct vision, and it’s through her Fall/Winter collection that this vision comes through. She describes her collection as dramatic, mysterious and androgynous, and her vision behind the collection is of a strong, powerful and sexy woman. Music is another medium that Karen uses to express herself, and her psychedelic music selections for the runway (including songs by Funkadelic and Wall of Death) complimented her vision. I certainly felt the vibe she was giving off, and more. The clothing at once felt relaxed and bohemian and perfect for weekend-wear, but the classic tailoring and attention to detail is also office-appropriate. As a matter of fact, Karen had it in mind that with just a little accessorizing, her pieces can be transformed from day to night, from office to after-work event.
KQK retails for between $100 to $800 and is available online through kqk.ca, and at Cabinet Éphémère at Centre Rockland in Montreal. Here are some of my favourite pieces from Karen’s collection:
Want more? Here’s what #WeWantToKnow about Karen:
I can't start my morning without...a few espressos, while going through my emails.
I have a weakness for...deep conversations with close friends. Always looking forward to those time.
Most people don't know that I...have a great passion for foreign languages. I keep on trying to learn something new every day.
Currently reading... A Year in the World by Frances Mayes
An important lesson I learned from a challenge I faced...To seek criticism over praise, and focus on improvement.
I want...to keep on learning from the world, from my travels, and make every experience meaningful, whether in my work or in my life.
Thank you Karen, for participating in #WeWantToKnow!
All runway images c/o CFG/TW
