Veronica Reis – In The Spotlight

Veronica Reis grew up in a large family with four siblings and was encouraged to strive to reach her goals in life. She has surely reached her goal of becoming a fashion designer and artist. Veronica learned the basics from Lasalle College where she graduated in 2003 with a degree in Women’s Wear Design. Starting off, her first job was as an apprentice dressmaker for a high-end Haute Couture in Westmount, Montreal. She learned much at the hands of her mentor, Elena Hinke.

Veronica now lives in Terrebonne, Quebec and has her own collection of made-to-measure fashions. Her special Haute Couture signature blends the precision and perfection of hand sewing techniques with today's influences in fashion. Using these time worn techniques and today’s beautiful fabrics and unique embellishments, she sculpts fabric into the works of art that you will find in her Creator Exhibit "Veronica Reis".


Veronica, thank you for giving us your time and sharing your thoughts.
 

Please give us a brief bio – introduce yourself.

My name is Veronica Reis. I was born in Montreal and I am 27 years old. I was always into fashion and sewing at a young age and I started sewing at 8 years old. I went to Lasalle College from 2000-2003 and studied women's wear design.


How has your formal training helped you?

My formal training helped a lot. Lasalle gave me a great base to get started in the industry and that was easy to build upon.


How did you get started in fashion design after college?

I did a stage at Boutique Elena Haute Couture on Green Ave. in downtown Montreal and I have to say I learned techniques that will stay with me forever. We did Haute Couture and I was an assistant to her, I will be forever grateful to Mrs. Elena for what she taught me.
 

What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?

I love working with silk, it drapes better, looks better and feels more comfortable and natural.

Your present collection is feminine and elegant. Do you use couture sewing techniques such as hand-stitching, special seam and edge finishes, structuring and embellishing?

I do a lot of hand work. I like to drape and pleat fabric to create textures to add depth into an otherwise plain fabric.

 
How would you describe your style?

I describe my style as classic with a modern edge or twist.


What makes your collection unique?

I think that my collection has a classic base, therefore can be worn for years to come and will always be stylish. Sometimes people overdesign and things look overdone. I like to work on it, stop for a few days and come back so that I can see it with a critical eye.


Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many things. I always try to keep an open mind and I always carry a pad around with me. I could be inspired by nature, architecture or a movie.


What are the steps to your creative process?

I normally sketch out 3 to 4 times as many dresses than I will make in my collection and then I work with a process of elimination. What is more true to me as a designer? What is feasible in the time I have?  What I think will attract more customers, etc? The more sketches I come up with in the beginning, the better the outcome.


Your Peacock Cocktail Dress is exquisite. What has been your favorite work so far and why?

I guess it is my Peacock dress, just because I had fun with it and never thought it would create so much buzz. It is by far my favorite dress to make, and I have sold it in Canada, the US, Europe and even the middle east.


How do you market your designs – online and off? Have you done any shows? Do you have any shows planned for the future?

I sell on various sites such as icraftgifts.com and etsy.com. I have also done a few fashion shows in Montreal and one in Toronto. I did the Toronto Clothing Show last year and plan on doing it again this year on May 14, 15 and 16.


How has the internet helped your creative process?

The Internet can help a lot. Designers can have access to supplies from all over the world. If I want something specific and I can't find it, I know I can always order it online which allows you to be more creative rather than having to change your vision because something is not available to you wherever you live. 

How has the internet helped your business?

The Internet has definitely helped me to get more exposure. I have quite a following in some European countries where I would not have had the opportunity without it.


Can you suggest any books, tutorials or videos that will help the beginner in fashion design?

If you want to learn about fashion or sewing, I suggest you find someone in your town or city that is willing to show you. Hands-on is the best way to learn. Even if you don't like to sew, you still need a very good understanding of it to successfully design.


Do you have any general advise for artists just getting started?

Anything is possible as long as you are willing to work hard to get it.

You can see Veronica's exquisite Peacock Cocktail Dress and more in her Creator Exhibit.