If your hands haven’t even noticed how cold this winter’s been or if, better still, you know your Valentine’s Day present of touch screen leather gloves is going to wow your partner, that’s because you already know Quill & Tine. The Toronto label might be just over a year old, but it’s already responsible for some of the most sought after gloves this winter. Designed in Canada with Italian lambskin leather, Italian cashmere, and Australian lambswool, Quill & Tine gloves are as suitable for the red carpet as they are for casual walks on cold days through the park. We caught up with Quill & Tine head designer and creative lead Richard Kang-Choo to find out more…
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I often surprise people when they discover my background is in interior design, with a degree in humanities to boot. I was one of those people who everyone assumed was studying fashion when I was pursuing my post-secondary education, though I definitely paid my dues in the industry over the past 10 years! But what really propelled me into crafting a brand was my love for leather – shoes, bags, accessories, everything! I also have a special place in my heart for literature, and a deep respect for artists.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it’s my birthplace, it’s one of the most vibrant cities in the world (even if we do sometimes have a complex about our city’s standing), and I wholeheartedly believe our food scene trumps other world-class cities overall!
What are three things you simply cannot live without?
Books, my favourite leather jacket, and definitely my leather journal to record my muses, sketches, and daily to-do’s.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
This is so difficult, because we’re so spoiled when it comes to the variety of food we have in Toronto… Definitely Korea House, as it reminds me of my family’s cooking; Mengrai for its amazing lychee-pineapple red curry; Ethiopiques on Church; Foxley on Ossington; and Nadege Patisserie for its Marie Antoinette.
What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
Hands-down, the Corpse Reviver at Cocktail Bar on Dundas West.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your city-trotting?
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and QuillandTine.com.