'We could support each other. But we don’t': Why Canadian designer is ditching fashion week
Instead of getting ready for Toronto Fashion week, Hayley Elsaesser, whose shows are usually a highlight, penned an open letter on why she would be absent for the 2019 show.
“It sucks to have to write this letter,” the designer wrote in an open letter on her website.
“Every day I try to put out clothing that is as ethically sourced as I possibly can,” the 30-year-old designer continued. “Every day, I try to put money back into our local economy and to partner with local brands, so we can push our city forward. Every day, I try to engage positively and professionally with my peers, and to be proactive in generating interest around Canadian fashion and Canadian industry. And every single day, I am let down.”
Elsaesser’s frustrations stem from what she says is the country’s lack of interest in supporting Canadian fashion – and that the payoff for her time and effort just doesn’t add up.
“Until we cover Toronto Fashion Week like we cover a mundane Wednesday night game 38 in an 82 game season of the Toronto Maple Leafs, our industry will suffer,” she continued.
“Because I am tired of trying my absolute hardest to push an agenda of progressive acceptance and inclusion,” she wrote. “I am tired of spending thousands and working nonstop to put on a show that gets barely a fizzle of national attention. We could support each other. But we don’t. And I’m tired of it.”
Elsaesser’s point rings true, particularly when held in comparison to other fashion weeks around the world. While New York or Paris will have a star-laden crowd and heavy presence across mainstream and social media, the Canadian version rarely leaves a blip on the industry radar.
“What I will continue to do is support the Canadian fashion industry,” she wrote in closing. “I’ll be attending all the shows I can next week, and keeping an eye on my model friends as a sincere fan of Canadian fashion. I’m not giving up on the industry, and if I can continue to support it in the eye of the hurricane, you can too.”
Over on Instagram, her message rang true with many of her followers:
“I read the full letter on your website,” wrote one commentor. “It was very powerful. Canada has to do more to support its own fashion designers. So many designers have to leave Canada to make it.”
“🙌🙌🙌 Totally agree with your sentiments,” wrote another. “I honestly feel the same way about the fashion/creative scene and that often Canadian designers are ignored and lack the support needed to succeed here.”
“Thank you for this!” chimed in another. “Well said and look forward to supporting you, your work and a number of other Canadian designers because of this message 💕.”
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