We caught up with some of the designers that created the limited-edition Magenta Collection in celebration of our Hot@175 anniversary to see how they like to celebrate their birthdays and reminisce on cherished Holts memories.
BROWSE THE MAGENTA COLLECTION ON THE NEW HOLTRENFREW.COM
Deborah Lippmann
How do you like to celebrate your Birthday?
A simple dinner with close friends.
Tell us a bit about the process of designing this exclusive limited-edition polish for our 175th Anniversary.
I started with the pantone of THE HOLTS color that we all know and love. From there, I wanted to add my signature glitter to the shade, but in a very sophisticated and subtle way.
Favourite Holt Renfrew Memory?
The day that my product launched in the store I met one of Holts’ top customers who personally thanked the store manager for bringing my line in so that friends no longer had to bring my products to her from the US.
Favourite manicure trend for Fall?
My new shade, Modern Love, which is a modern mauve and I believe the new nude for fall.
Go to nail polish colour?
My lacquer in Modern Love on my nails, with Single Ladies on my toes.
Favorite kind of Birthday cake?
Red Velvet.
Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe, Smythe
How do you like to celebrate your Birthdays?
We’re throwing each other birthday parties on the occasion of our 40th’s!
Tell us a bit about the process in designing this exclusive limited-edition blazer for our 175th Anniversary.
Every fall we design a new tuxedo. This one is very tailored and falls close to the hip, befitting of the name “Hourglass Tuxedo”. The messaging inside, is our love letter to Holt Renfrew (who launched Smythe into the world in 2004). We took a page from the art world and embroidered individual edition numbers in each
Favourite Holt Renfrew Memory?
For our second ever collection (Spring 2005), Holts threw us a fancy after-hours party. It was a big shopping event and we couldn’t believe the turn out. Before that night, we were convinced it was only our mothers buying the collection.
Best part about being Canadian?
Fall layering! Cool crisp fall air that lends itself to blazers, scarves and gloves. It’s our favourite season.
Favourite kind of Birthday cake?
White cake from Loblaws!
Brandon Svarc, Founder and Designer of Naked & Famous Denim
How do you like to celebrate your Birthday?
Standard celebration with lots of food and beer and family and friends! Though my next birthday is my 30th, so perhaps we’ll have to take the celebration to the next level!
Tell us a bit about the process in designing this exclusive limited-edition denim for our 175th Anniversary.
We wanted to use the famous Holt Renfrew magenta color in a fun and unique way. These jeans are for men, and magenta isn’t exactly the easiest color for guys to pull off, so we reserved its use for the key elements only–the leather patch and selvedge edge. The magenta patch looks great against the dark indigo denim! And, when you flip up your cuff, you can show off the unique magenta selvedge edges. This denim was of course custom made for us in Okayama, Japan. We call the fabric Soft Raw Selvedge. Many luxury shoppers have asked for denim that is raw but also soft–now you can have the best of both worlds!
Favourite Holt Renfrew Memory?
Last year, we participated in a Holt Renfrew runway show. It was our first (and only) runway show ever and the entire experience was really fun. Plus, there were women’s collections and we were backstage with lots of gorgeous models running around. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!
Best part about being Canadian?
I love things that are rare and unique, so at 10% of the USA population I think Canadians are a rare and unique breed. I was born and raised here and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Favorite kind of Birthday cake?
Strawberry Shortcake.
Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan, Mackage
How do you like to celebrate your Birthdays?
Elisa- Surrounded by my beautiful family who spoils me with the things I love the most.
Eran- Dinner at the hot spot of the moment, followed by a Montreal style night out.
Tell us a bit about the process in designing this exclusive limited-edition jacket for our 175th Anniversary.
We took one of our signature coats and revamped it for the Holt Renfrew customer in celebration of their 175th anniversary.
Favourite Holt Renfrew Memory?
Eran- My favorite Holt Renfrew memory was the first time I splurged on a designer piece.
Elisa – Getting retail therapy at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street, who curates the best brands.
Best part about being Canadian?
Eran- Best part about being Canadian is the mix of different cultures that create an environment full of different flavours and openness.
Elisa- You mean besides Poutine? What I love most about being Canadian is being able to be unique and express myself openly.
Favourite kind of Birthday cake?
Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone ice cream cake. We also just found out about this new artisanal cake spot in the Outremount neighbourhood of Montreal, Gateaulogie, they have amazing cakes!
Davidson Manaloto, wings+horns
How do you like to celebrate your Birthday?
I like to keep it mellow these days – dinner and drinks with close friends and family is what I look forward to the most. I never know what my friends have up their sleeves but what happens after dinner is usually a much different story.
Tell us a bit about the process in designing this exclusive limited-edition coat for our 175th Anniversary.
It was easy working with Holt Renfrew on this project. We wanted to give them something special for all the support that you have given us each season. So when we were approached to collaborate on a piece for your 175th anniversary, we went with one of our favorite jackets from FW2012 and selected a colorway exclusive to Holt Renfrew.
The jackets inspiration is based off of a vintage Swedish military peacoat.
Favorite Holt Renfrew Memory?
I would have to say seeing wings+horns participating in the Holt Renfrew runway show during Toronto fashion week. It’s so nice to see one of the premiere retailers of Canada supporting Canadian brands. It really is a great thing.
Best part about hailing from Canada?
Definitely the people – the diversity and friendliness that you get to experience every day here. We also have one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From the coast of Vancouver into the Rockies and straight to Niagara Falls – it’s all beautiful.
Favourite kind of birthday cake?
This is the easiest question – ice cream cake, hands down. There is this small hand made artisan gelato shop by the waterfront here in Vancouver that makes the most amazing ice cream cakes. That being said, no one, myself included, turns down a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.
Alexis Bittar
How do you celebrate your Birthday?
Traveling to an exotic location.
Tell us a bit about the process in designing these exclusive limited-edition pieces for our 175th Anniversary.
We went into our archives to find one of our best sellers to celebrate Holt Renfrew’s history.
How did you decide on the color palette for the pieces?
Holt Renfrew Magenta Theme, of course!
What was your inspiration for the design?
My love of Art Deco mixed with the bold Holt Renfrew Magenta color reflected my 80’s sensibility.
Favorite kind of Birthday cake?
Chocolate, Chocolate, with more chocolate!
BROWSE THE MAGENTA COLLECTION ON THE NEW HOLTRENFREW.COM
Tags: ALEXIS BITTAR, Anniversary, Birthday, Deborah Lippmann, fashion, holt renfrew, Holts, Hot@175, HOTat175, Limited Edition, Mackage, Magenta, Naked & Famous, smythe, The Magenta Collection, Wings+Horns
