Fashion Student Spotlight: Breanne Gatien's One Too moves effortlessly from outdoors to lounging

By Krista Prendergast

Torontonian Breanne Gatien was inspired by her travels to the West Coast to actively pursue her career goals in fashion design. Through Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s fashion design and technology program, Gatien has taken her industry knowledge further and become a focused and driven apparel designer.

Since moving to Vancouver, Gatien noticed a significant difference in lifestyle and apparel markets on Canada’s East and West coasts. Picking up on the growing trend of living a more holistic lifestyle, she developed her line One Too, which is focused on loungewear basics that are cozy enough to hibernate in, yet still stylish enough to take outside of the house.

One Too will be unveiled at 2016 The Show: The Final Cut, presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 6 and 7 at the Imperial Vancouver (319 Main Street). Thirty-five other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion design and technology students will also be showcased.

All five shows have now sold out. For event details, visit kpu.ca/2016fashionshow, or follow @kpu_fashion on Twitter and @kputheshow on Instagram.

Krista Prendergast: Describe your collection.

Breanne Gatien: One Too fills a gap in the market that has largely been ignored for a number of years: everyday loungewear. The collection offers women pieces that are comfortable to wear at home, yet appropriate to wear in public and still feel stylish. The key is the balance of styles that steer away from frumpy sweat pants or over-sexualized cuts.  

KP: What was the inspiration behind your line?

BG: The apparel industry has turned attention back to the leisure/loungewear category. These leisure lines appeal to a market actively looking for ways to re-balance, keeping their mental and physical wellbeing in mind. This can be seen in the popularity of activities like meditation and yoga, and extends to what people choose to eat, drink and wear.

In this respect, consumers are willing to make purchase decisions they feel support a mindful lifestyle. Wearing active wear as daywear has become an outdated trend, yet the demand for comfortable pieces is flourishing. Leisurewear is making a comeback with a focus on luxurious high-end fabrics and modern designs. Technological developments in yarn and textile production allow designers to also offer greater features and benefits to the consumer.

KP: Can you tell me about your creative process?

BG: It all came about pretty organically. In September, the process began when we were challenged to find viable niche markets. As I struggled to find items I could both run around in and feel comfortable cocooning in, the idea hit and the rest is history.

KP: What have you learned at KPU?

BG: KPU has forced me to develop as a young professional and prepare quantifiable evidence to support every aspect of One Too. I’ve been pushed to think strategically about the circumstances of developing trends.

KP: What are your plans after graduation?

BG: After graduation, my goal is to continue that dual approach to design by joining a creative design team.  

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

BG: I find myself gravitating to the smaller details of garments: creative lines, innovative styles, and the way textiles are manufactured. These kinds of valuable details create a dynamic piece in the eyes of a shopper. In that regard, I’m also passionate about the business of fashion—what drives future trends and which variables create brand giants. I see design and commerce as integral to one another.