Interview: Ezra & Greta Constantine

December 29th, 2010

Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong are pioneers. Sure, they may be baby fresh compared to a lot of fashion houses, but that’s what happens when your talent stems from Canadian soil. Aside from being a stylist and costume designer in Toronto’s core, Wong gained major recognition from a stint on Project Runway Canada in 2007. And Jamaican-born Pickersgill was busy getting his design skills polished by many designers – DSquared2 being one of them – in Milan. When they launched their line Greta Constantine in 2005, they gained major accolades for intricate jersey dresses that were coveted by celebrities like Nelly Furtado and Hilary Duff. In 2010, they launched their menswear line Ezra Constantine to much acclaim. The Constantine empire represents Toronto’s multiculturalism, something you rarely see in fashion as a whole. With that said, let’s just say these boys are taking over the fashion scene. If they haven’t already.

The Block Magazine: Lady Gaga is a self-proclaimed fashion muse, and yet, according to an article in the Toronto Star, Kirk has “grown weary of the persistent connection between anything avant-garde and the far out getups worn” by her. Can you please elaborate on that, especially when her influence on the fashion and music world seems so prevalent?

Kirk Pickersgill: I think the problem designers and even other musicians face is the fact that the moment anything avant-garde is created or worn, critics claim that Lady Gaga was the source of influence, as if she has a monopoly over avant-garde tastes. Despite the fact that Lady Gaga has certainly been an influence in many industries, I feel that people have become so stricken by her that they forget what else is out there.

TB: When it comes to Greta Constantine and Ezra Constantine, we’re sure they’re both your babies. But which one do the both of you hold closest?

Stephen Wong: That’s a really tough decision.  Throughout the entire design process you find yourself so attached to both collections. But they’re both so different. Womenswear demands attention to silhouettes and offers you a little more range to experiment while menswear always needs a certain sense of accessibility. Despite that, we’re becoming increasingly excited by menswear as men are more and more willing to live outside of the box.

TB: You once said in an interview “we don’t see the future, we just make clothes” but fashion is about seeing the future, basically. In your opinion who are the real innovators behind fashion trends?

KP: The consumer. They buy into what they want to wear. No matter what the stores buy or magazines dictate, or even what designers create they have the power to support or undermine a “trend” based on what they purchase.

TB: What’s more important to you, the red carpet or a magazine layout?

KP: Whatever looks better.
SW: Depends.

TB: Greta Constantine has shown at Toronto Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. What is your general consensus regarding these types of events?

KP: Fashion weeks are phenomenal for young labels. There’s much benefit from showing alongside the likes of [Diane von Furstenberg] and Ralph Lauren, as the most powerful media, socialites, and buyers follow suit. However, once you’ve made a name for yourself you pretty much have freedom to dictate when and where you have your show because of the excitement it drives within the industry.

TB: Over the years, you’ve been getting a ton of accolades for your clothes. But do you ever feel held back by Toronto’s still-developing scene when it comes to the business of fashion?

SW: I find Toronto doesn’t get enough credit. It’s certainly developing, but it’s also a booming centre.  Just look at the downtown core and the many luxury hotels and residences that are currently popping up.  It’s just a sign of what is to come.

TB:  What is the first thing each of you does when you wake up in the morning?

KP: Go to the bathroom.
SW: I’m probably working!

TB: How do you perceive Toronto’s fashion scene to be compared to other places you’ve been in the world?

SW: The Toronto woman, by and large, looks for pieces with ease, that transform from day to night.  We’ve found many of our clients are working mothers, women who want to look stylish without compromising on
their personal style.

KP: There’s an incredible spectrum of women in Toronto, and that makes designing an even more exciting  process.

TB: If there was one fast-fashion chain you could collaborate with, who would it be and why?

KP: Definitely one based in Canada. We’re so proud of our Canadian heritage and how it informs our designs. Maybe Jacob?

Words Safra Ducreay

Tags: Ezra Constantine, Greta Constantine