Chances are, if you wore Uggs, Juicy Couture sweats and sexy Vince Ts to and from class when you were in university back in the day, Kelly Claman was partly responsible. During her time in the fashion industry, Claman has launched and represented high-profile brands, like the aforementioned labels, in the Canadian market. These days, she’s President and CEO of Kelly Claman Company (KCC), a full-service fashion distribution office and showroom. If, these days, you’re all about labels like Whitney Eve, Wren, and Love, Zooey, you once again have Claman to thank. We caught up with the fashionista to find out where she spends her down-time in Toronto, and what brand she’s currently obsessed with.
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I have loved fashion since I was a little girl. All my life I’ve known that I wanted to work in the fashion industry, and I’ve always worked towards that goal. Whether I’m “Pinteresting” photos of fashion from the 19th century for inspiration, or working with the new collections in my showroom, fashion never ceases to thrill me.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it is a city filled with talented and creative people from all walks of life – it is amazing! People from all over the world come to Toronto to live and work. There are endless opportunities, especially in creative and artistic fields. Toronto is booming, between the Toronto International Film Festival, World MasterCard Fashion Week, the National Ballet, and much, much more. It’s an exciting place to live and work.
What are three things you simply cannot live without?
– My mini Goldendoodle, Sarge. He’s my everything and he is almost always with me.
– My iPad, it keeps me connected to my business even when I’m off visiting retailers in remote towns or on the road during market times.
– Starbucks. It is my daily indulgence that I look forward to every morning, and even when I travel I usually choose my hotels based on their proximity to a Starbucks… except when I’m in Los Angeles or Las Vegas when I prefer The Coffee Bean or Tea Leaf.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
For lunch, I usually order from Zoe’s, which is located right below our showroom. They have delicious pastas and different soups every day. For dinner, I love Brassaii on King West. My mother, sister and I always feel at home there.
What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
I always love to try new red wines. I’m not a big liquor girl; I don’t like the taste of alcohol. A nice Merlot is perfect for me. On occasion, I’ll order Champagne or a Bellini.
Who’s your favourite designer/brand and why do you sport their fashions?
Right now, one of my favourite brands is Wren – also one of the newest additions to our showroom in Canada. Wren is all about understated sophistication; strong shapes in luxe fabrics that feel great on. I especially love their printed silks, which are perfect for summer dressing.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your city-trotting?
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