Responsible for a respectable portion of the designers on the World MasterCard Fashion Week calendar, THE COLLECTIONS is diligently working towards building the business of fashion in Canada. We talked to the trio behind the company, Mel Ashcroft, Brian A. Richards and Dwayne Kennedy, to find out more about how their work is making an impact nationwide…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
MA: THE COLLECTIONS is a creative firm providing services in designer management, production and events. We have access to various platforms and networks to showcase designers and activate brand partnerships.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
MA: The best part of my job is the opportunity to be creative and work as an entrepreneur with artists, as well as collaborating with global company IMG to produce world-class runway shows.
B.A.R: There was a gross lack of support for Canadian designers and creatives.
DW: I noticed there was a lack of support for the emerging designers in the city through my work as a stylist. Our first show was with Thomas Balint and we held it at the Clint Roenisch gallery off-site. From there we partnered with the FDCC to bring emerging designers to the fashion week calendar.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
DW: The best part is being able to work with other creative individuals who share the same passion for what they do. The most challenging part is not being in full control of your day to day, as things change every hour in the fashion industry
MA: Trying to grow a business that supports emerging designers and being reliant on corporate sponsorship for funding.
B.A.R: BEST: Creating my own hours. WORST: Creating my own hours.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
DW: My goal is to make Toronto the spot for emerging designers internationally.
MA: Expanding our services in sales and PR for designers in Canada and brands looking to enter the Canadian marketplace. Creating global partnerships to make it more accessible for designers to show in global markets like New York, London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Korea and Istanbul.
What does success look like to you?
DW: Happiness, travel, and companionship.
MA: It means making a difference for our clients every day and seeing them achieve success through accessing THE COLLECTIONS’ platforms, talents and network.
B.A.R: An Armarni suit.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
DW: Working with international designer Rad Hourani has been a big highlight for me. I truly respect him as a artist and he is a very kind person. Also, being able to work with Sid Neigum day to day and seeing his many accomplishments first-hand has been truly inspiring.
MA: The last six months of growth have been memorable. Under the mentorship of Robin Kay, President of the Fashion Design Council of Canada, we set up THE COLLECTIONS HQ at BrightLane at 545 King Street West, hired Charming Media as THE COLLECTIONS’ PR agency of record, and increased our FW15 roster to support four new designers.
B.A.R: Showing off-site at the Burroughs Building.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
DW: Don’t stop doing what you love. It will be worth it in the end.
MA: Take risks in your 20s and try to gain as much experience in a variety of interests without any rules. In your 30s, figure out what you’re best at and do it. Use contracts, learn to say no, and know the value of your time.
B.A.R: Don’t fake it – quietly learn and do it right the first time.
What is Notable to you?
DW: Being respected for your work and being a good person
MA: Trust.
B.A.R: Loyalty.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
DW: Running, weights, and yoga.
MA: Fit Factory, running, and Soul Cycle.
BAR: Regular jogs throughout the south side of the city.
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