This year, FashionCAN returned for a second season of runway shows at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre while presenting the talent of one of Canada’s top fashion designers and RUDSAK founder, Evik Asatoorian, who introduced his Fall/Winter 2017 collection at the event.
Evik is known for his rebellious spirit and a leather-heavy approach towards fashion. His passion for fashion’s art and beauty combined with his fastidious eye and attention to every stitch and detail were reflected in his newest collection showcased at FashionCAN.
I had a pleasure to interview Evik after his runway presentation at FashionCAN.
Q&A WITH EVIK ASATOORIAN
Amanda Skrabucha: What was your inspiration when you were designing this collection?
Evik Asatoorian: For Fall/Winter 2017, I took inspiration from images of vintage circuses. I was drawn to the dark glamour of the carnival, with all of its mysteries and curiousities that are gritty and glamourous at the same time. The big tent aesthetic is fascinating, bizarre and beautiful at the same time, and I wanted a whisper of that dream world to come through, subtly, in this collection.
What is your greatest ambition?
Honestly, I’m an extremely lucky man, because I’m living my ambitions right now. I always dreamed of starting a lifestyle brand that would allow me to express my creativity and my business sense at the same time, and RUDSAK is the realization of that dream. I take part in everything from the design process to logistics to marketing to operations at RUDSAK, and being able to contribute at every level of a company’s success has always been my greatest desire.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“What’s done is done.” There’s no point dwelling on past successes or failures. Learn what you can from both achievements and mistakes, then move on to the next idea, project or dream.
If you could change one thing about the fashion world, what would it be?
I love the fashion world, and I’ve always embraced its diversity and the possibility it creates for individuals’ self-expression. Sometimes, though, I think the fashion world forgets about the people who wear the clothing, so I’m always very careful to create pieces that are functional as well as stylish, clothing and outerwear and bags that help people to live their lives beautifully. Ideally, I’m happiest when you can anticipate a problem or need that someone doesn’t even fully realize they have and then have a solution baked into the design.
What is the best part of being a creative?
Creativity is essential to me, I can’t imagine my life if I didn’t have design as a means of self- expression. It can also create a lot of pressure—life is very frustrating in those moments when it’s not clear how to realize your visions! But it’s worth it in the end, as it’s so satisfying to see my ideas come to life, and I truly love collaborating with others to achieve that.
What do you think when you see your collection on the runway?
It’s a strange thing—I’m happy to see my ideas realized and out in the world, but by the day of the fashion show, a lot of time has passed since I created the original designs, so I’m often already thinking about new projects, images and ideas. I’m also a perfectionist, so I always see things I’d like to do a little differently, but then a lot of those changes happen in the final collection. That said, I’m always very proud of all the hard work and passion that my team puts into realizing these spectacular runway visions.
What is your favourite fashion memory?
My favourite fashion memory is actually a specific item: my father’s well-worn and beloved leather moto jacket, which I still have. Its durability and timeless appeal still inspire me today.
Here are some of my favourite looks from the RUDSAK FW17 collection presented on the runway at FashionCAN 2017:
