The Stephan Caras collection is an internationally recognized womenswear brand that chose to base its operations here in its Queen East atelier. The designers, Stephan and Kyriako, tell us why. 

Why did you decide to base your collection in Toronto?
At the time, my career had taken me all over the world. I had never been to North America, and I was curious on how my philosophy in design could be interpreted in the North American market. I had always heard great things about Canada and an opportunity was presented to me to design in Toronto. I jumped on it right away, and the rest is history. 

What inspired you to focus on women’s evening wear?
We are continuously inspired by the femininity and confidence that women exude. Evening wear gives us the chance to tap into this femininity and bring it out in the most dramatic and imaginative way possible. 

Describe the Stephan Caras woman:
We like to think that any of our designs can bring out the best in any woman — confidence, self-assured and a touch of drama.

What do you love about the fashion industry in Toronto?
Toronto is a great place to design because of its diversity. There are so many influences from around the world here, and they offer a different interpretation to fashion. Toronto is a hub of commerce and provides a great platform to design for a variety of markets. It’s also very close to the U.S., which provides another outlet to interact with global influencers. 

Will we see you at the new Toronto Fashion Week in February?
Yes, we have always been excited to participate in events that support and celebrate Canadian fashion. It is a great way to connect with peers and the industry and showcase all the great talent that exists right at home.

What can we expect to see in your fall/winter 2016 line?
Expect vivid colour combinations and exciting textures while staying true to our design philosophy of creating dramatic, feminine and elegant pieces. Our collections can be found in our atelier at 744 Queen St. E.