“It was just a crazy whirlwind of sketching, developing and collaborating with her team.”

Toronto talent Kathryn Bowen talks to FASHION about designing three dresses for Kim Kardashian West in only two weeks, plus her take on slow fashion, dream collaborations and the environmental impact of social media micro trends.

Coming from five generations of seamstresses, did you always know you wanted to be in fashion?

No, actually. My mom was a very practical woman, so my sister and I were never exposed to the exciting side of fashion. It wasn’t until we started secretly collecting magazines and watching television that everything changed. I was amazed by fashion, and it eventually became my creative outlet.

What was the best lesson you learned from UK-based designer Yang Li?

Working with Yang Li in London had a huge impact on me as a designer because I was so involved in his process. I essentially learned how to make a collection by being exposed to Yang’s research-and-development methods. His focus is always on how to make a piece fit perfectly. When I finally set up my own studio, I brought that same mentality with me.

Why is it important for Kathryn Bowen to be a slow-fashion brand?

In order for the industry to evolve, a complete mindset change must happen in the consumer. There’s no need to buy 25 new pieces every season! What I try to focus on for…