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 MIKHAEL
KALE
FASHION DESIGNER
TORONTO, CANADA
Mikhael Kale attended London's Central Saint
Martins. His work is hand made. He follows through
with every detail of his work. Mikhael was part of
the "new designer event" in New York associated with
I.D. Magazine where he designed a jacket line.
Mikhael's designs have been worn by Ciara, Beyonce, and
he has
worked with Antonio Marras in Milan, and Alessandro De
Benedetti and Sergio Gucci for Exte in Milan.
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
Exclusively
Fashion Magazine: Tell me about your
journey as a fashion designer
from when you began to
now?
Mikhael Kale:
I was born and raised in
Toronto, but chose to study in London. I found myself
drawn to British designers, so I attended Central Saint
Martins. However, I never completed the program. Instead
I chose to travel to Milano and learn traditional
sewing, tailoring and pattern drafting. It was
after approximately three years in Italy and a stint as
fashion design assistant at Exte, that I decided to
start my own label. I returned to Toronto with
focus on NYC, and began
Mikhael Kale.
EFM:
Where does your inspiration come from?
MK:
I am inspired by women. The reason for my interest
in
women's wear.
EFM:
Do you think that art and fashion goes hand and
hand; if so how?
MK:
I know that I create garments that express my
thoughts and (hope) to convey my conceptual approach.
I suppose this depends upon your definition of art and
fashion. Both art and fashion have become quite
complex as mediums, both have their mass and sub
markets. So...I don't have an answer to this
questions, I just believe fashion should make one feel.
EFM: Can you briefly describe the process
of creating
one piece?
MK:
Usually happens at my
machine, alone. I prefer to begin with a researched
concept, a given fabric, and a technique.
EFM: When making a
piece, can it become intense at
times?
MK:
Always.
EFM:
How important is it to be able to make your own samples;
are there any pros and cons to it?
MK:
Extremely important to me. I worked as a
design assistant in past, so have worked in both small
and large scale environments. I choose to sew all
my samples. I do because I feel a greater
connection to the collection. It's an intimacy
I've never been able to explain. I am responsible
for the process, so I understand it; and can then
discuss it. It is where the majority of the work
exists, and I am excited by challenge.
  
FALL /WINTER 2009
EFM: What type of women does
Mikhael Kale design for?
MK: All
women. Every woman is a Mikhael Kale woman.
EFM:
Can you describe your personal
style?
MK:
Evolving structure.
EFM: How do you find time to
relax; and what do you do in your spare time?
MK:
Easy question. There is none, I sew because its
therapeutic and a true desire.
EFM:
What inspired you to create
your spring/summer and fall/winter 2009 collection?
MK:
SS09 was inspired by the
Baltic sea. I was drawn to its depth and texture. FW09
was inspired by the Paso doble. I was drawn to the
tension that exists between the pair of dancers.
EFM:
Can you tell us what we can
expect to see for spring/summer 2010 collection?
MK:
Stay tuned!
EFM: There are many fashion
designers out there who want to reach your level; what
business advice can you give?
MK:
Its a very difficult
time for young independent designers. One must do this
for the love of it.
I work tirelessly because I'm
moved by garment design. It's a very cheap high.
 
SINGERS CIARA (on the right) & BEYONCE (on the
left)
www.mikhaelkale.com
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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