Tastemaker: Anu Raina

Award-winning textile designer Anu Raina launched her debut ready-to-wear collection at Toronto Fashion Week in 2010, and we have been obsessed with her unique approach to fashion ever since. Meet the innovative designer shaking up Canadian threads…

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I am a textile and clothing designer from Toronto. My prints are mostly inspired by my own life journeys. My work is original, artsy, chic and proudly made in Toronto.

What are the biggest challenges and best rewards about what you do?
The biggest challenge for me is always time. I wish a week had 10 days. Being a designer, a mother of two kids and a wife, my schedule is insane. The best rewards are my family’s love and the beautiful emails I receive from all across the globe about my work.

What are three things you can’t live without?
My family, textiles and air, in that order.

Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it’s my home and there can’t be any place in the world (however fancy it might be) more comforting than your own home.

What’s your favourite restaurant?
A Chinese seafood restaurant named Noble on Dundas Street West. My friend Edith Freeman and I often enjoy a hot soup there after a hard day’s work. The food is always fresh and flavourful, and the staff is super friendly.

What’s one of your favourite go-to designers/brands and why do you sport their fashions?
I love Burberry. While studying fashion at London College of Fashion (in England) I worked part time at SOGO where I sold Burberry trenches, accessories and perfumes to customers and I fell in love with the brand.

What products are always in your beauty bag?
My iPhone, my Toronto subway scarf and my MAC blush.

What style trends are you obsessed with right now?
I’m always obsessed with the 60s shift.

What’s your favourite spa or service?
I have a weak spot for head massages.

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, AnuRaina.com.