Fashion week first-timers: Amanda Lew Kee
Amanda Lew Kee has acheived a lot for a recent Ryerson University graduate. The self-described high-end streetwear designer has caught the attention of such Derek Blasberg, Glen Baxter, Adrian Mainella and Derick Chetty, and Lew Kee dressed fellow Canadian Shenae Grimes for the 2010 Much Music Video Awards. Lew Kee took time out of her preparations for her LGFW show debut to take our Fashion Week First-Timer questionnaire. Read her answers after the jump.
Why did you decide to go into fashion?
“It was more of a development of my natural interest and talents rather than a decision or choice.”
You’ve shown outside of Fashion Week before. Why did you decide on an official runway show this season?
“The Fashion Collective, who work in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of Canada, approached me to show at fashion week. We share the same vision for Toronto and design, and I am very honored to be working with them as a team.”
What have been the most fun and the most challenging things about preparing for Fashion Week?
“The most fun would be planning the show and building up towards the final product. The most challenging would be working with only 24 hours a day.”
What’s the inspiration behind your Spring 2011 collection?
“I was inspired by a drive that I took up to Muskoka early this summer—the natural colour palette, organic shapes and layering of the Great Canadian Shield. I also experimented with the concept of skewing the common perception of materials away from their typical appearance and connotations.”
How will you celebrate after the show?
“With my team, friends and family.”
Amanda Lew Kee presents her Spring 2011 collection on October 22 at Toronto Fashion Week.