2015 Fashion Show designer spotlight: Oliver Mowat by Karen Faint

Karen Faint is an Island-born, final-year fashion design and technology student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. While studying at the Pacific Design Academy in Victoria, she was inspired by KPU alumna and instructor Lindsay Norris—a multitalented instructor who was teaching in Victoria at the time—to apply to this particular program.

After taking a year to develop and polish her portfolio, Faint applied to KPU’s program and began her creative journey as a fashion designer. She discovered a market whose needs were not being met, and worked to create Oliver Mowat: a line tailored toward taller men who have difficulty finding clothing that is flattering to their body type.   

Oliver Mowat 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.

Lizzie Scott: Can you describe your collection?

Karen Faint: My collection is for men 6’ to 6’8”. I decided to focus my line toward taller men because there aren’t very many options available for men within this height range that are specifically designed for tall men. I wanted my line to fill this need with casual business wear that could easily tie into and complement an existing wardrobe.

LS: What was the inspiration behind Oliver Mowat?

KF: The inspiration for my collection is casual-preppy. I’m very inspired by the old Ivy League style that’s both work and leisure oriented. 

LS: Can you tell me about your design process/creative process? 

KF: My creative process starts with inspiration: an idea, a person, or a photograph can spark me. Then it’s all about research. It’s important to do research to fully understand what’s already available for your customer to buy, what your market’s needs are, and what they feel they want or are missing. Then you bring the inspiration and the research together into design. My favourite part of the creative process is seeing my ideas on the fit model—seeing what about your designs worked and what didn’t work and then revising your design to be perfect for your market. 

LS: What have you learned at KPU? 

KF: KPU has taught me to be confident in what I enjoy. It’s taught me that through hard work I can be successful at what I love to do.

LS: What are your plans after graduation? 

KF: After graduation I hope to find a job in pattern drafting in Vancouver. I really enjoy drafting both on the computer and by hand, and love how you can use flat design to create movement on the body. 

LS: If you have one, who would be your dream designer to collaborate with? 

KF: Elie Saab, no questions asked! Along with pattern drafting, I love to work with my hands, beading, and embroidering. I love the amount of work that goes into each one of his garments, and feel that his design eye and my detail-oriented nature would be a great match.

LS: What aspect of design are you most passionate about? 

KF: I’ve really found my passion in pattern drafting. Before coming to KPU I did a year at the Pacific Design Academy in Victoria and found my love for flat pattern drafting. But through KPU’s more extensive program I perfected fit and found that working with computer-based programs like Gerber can be just as rewarding.