2015 Fashion Show designer spotlight: Axèlle by Laura Psutka

Having always had a keen interest in designing clothing, Laura Psutka followed her passion to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s fashion design and technology program. Now in her fourth year, she’s showing off what’s she learned with her iconic line Axèlle.

Simplistic yet functional, Axèlle caters to the everyday women who lives, works, and by consequence commutes in Vancouver. And whether it’s riding a bike or running to catch the bus, Psutka’s collection ensures women arrive at work comfortably and in style.

Axèlle will be unveiled at the 2015 Fashion Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel, on April 9 at the River Rock Casino. Thirty-eight other lines by KPU fashion design and technology students will also be showcased. See kpu.ca/2015fashionshow or follow @kpu_theshow on Twitter for event details.

Jill MacDougall: Describe the inspiration behind the collection.

Laura Psutka: My inspiration stems from the nostalgic recollections I have of my travels through Europe and memories of riding my bike with my dad. When I went to Europe, I fell in love with the idea that you can wear any type of clothing to commute to work in and around town. I also found that you don’t need to compromise aesthetics for functionality or durability in the clothing you choose. I was inspired to bring more of a feminine look to the regular commuter clothing for working professionals.

I also noticed that the colours and styles of women’s commuter wear here in Vancouver were quite similar to men’s. There just isn’t much out there for female commuters to choose from which is why I created Axèlle: a women’s wear commuter brand with a feminine aesthetic.

JM: Describe your design process.

LP:  I enjoy designing for a purpose, so before I start designing I find my target market. I look at what is out there and what needs I could fill. Then I research my target market inside and out so that I know what they’re looking for and what they like and need in their clothing. I gather my inspiration and ideas, then I design, design, design.

I then analyze and synthesize what I like about the designs, multiple times, always keeping in mind function, craft and aesthetics. Then comes the time to narrow the designs down: once that’s complete, I draft the patterns and sew up prototypes so that I make sure the fit is impeccable.   

JM: What have you learned at KPU?

LP: I went to Kwantlen only knowing how to sew and manipulate commercial patterns. I’ve since learned how to not only manipulate patterns the proper way, but how to draft patterns from scratch and grade patterns properly to create size runs from small to extra large. I also vastly improved my sewing techniques and fell in love with industrial sewing machines.

Getting a chance to travel to England to study the art of atelier expanded my knowledge of working with delicate soft fabrics, fabric manipulation and couture techniques.

JM: What are your plans after graduation?

LP: I plan to share my knowledge and talents in a job at a Vancouver-based company and create my mark in Vancouver’s fashion industry. Then, hopefully within the next 10 years, I hope to go back to England to work toward a master's in atelier or tailoring.