2015 Fashion Show designer spotlight: Cycletto by Rae Kerzner

Many women who cycle to work understand the difficulty of finding stylish yet commuter-friendly apparel that will get them from point A to point B.

With her love for working with tactile materials, fourth-year Kwantlen Polytechnic University design student Rae Kerzner created a collection that provides a suitable solution for all commuting women.

Cycletto is a collection designed to feel comfortable during the commute to work, while also allowing for stylish, office-appropriate attire. Kerzner applied her strong technical abilities and design skills to create fashionable and transitional cycling apparel.

Cycletto 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. For event details, visit kpu.ca/2015fashionshow, or follow @kpu_theshow on Twitter and @theshow2015 on Instagram.

Alyssa Koop: Please describe your collection, Cycletto.

Rae Kerzner: With a focus on quality fabrics and unique detailing, Cycletto offers transitional cycling apparel for urban women. These are clothes that she can wear at the office, out for an evening with friends and on her day off. Certain pieces, such as the pants, have specific features designed for performance and comfort during longer commutes.

AK: What was the inspiration behind the collection?

RK: I have been an occasional cyclist for many years, but more recently when commuting to school for summer classes. When I became disenchanted with my current cycling rain jacket, I started to consider how it could be made to look nicer and still be visible at night. Having talked to many women in this market, I found that there is a gap between cycling apparel that is functional and has fashion-forward details.

AK: What is your approach to your design/creative process?

RK: I start by researching and interviewing my market in great depth. Then I look at the need or want I am filling and how my garments will be different from what is available. From there, I come up with a theme and collect images to describe it. Using this inspiration, I make many rough sketches, focusing on silhouette and design details. In between sketching I will also drape and manipulate fabric on a mannequin. After that, I narrow down and revise my work multiple times. The creative process does not stop on paper because I am constantly revising while I construct the garments. Sometimes I need to take time and step away from my work to gain perspective during my process.

AK: What have you learned at KPU?

RK: That design work does not have to be complicated. This idea can be applied to many scenarios from garment details to website design, production planning or even running a business. I tend to stress myself by overthinking things too much or trying to do too many tasks. I’m getting better at having perspective and focusing on what is most important in my work. 

AK: What are your plans after graduation?

RK: I intend to stay in Vancouver after graduation and gain industry experience. I also want to devote time to projects that I’ve been putting off for the last four years, such as volunteering more in my community.