Future Folk: Evan & Dean

Evan & Dean’s “Future Folk” Spring 2009 collection represents the changing technological world.

“It’s the blending of (the) technical with natural. It kind of plays to our theme of the ‘Future Folk.’ As the world becomes more technologically-focused and we push more towards that edge, there’s a desire to rediscover the human side of things,” says Raymond Boutet, one half of the Vancouver-based design team.

The other half of the design duo is Lyle Reimer. (Evan and Dean are actually the names of their nephews).

Boutet says the Spring 2009 collection is a bit of a departure from their current Fall 2008 line -- an eclectic fusion of ‘70s and ‘80s influences.

“It’s a very linear, architectural look and it has minimalism but it’s decorated with appliqué that’s reflective of traditional folk-art images,” says Boutet.

The designs have been created with a neutral palette, punched up with electric amaranth and gold-green.

“There are a lot of things that are happening in the world right now and so we’re just trying to brighten up the mood a bit.”

The collection contains jackets made of shiny linen with cut outs and panel work, Gortex paired with silk and the aforementioned appliqué on every piece.

But Boutet says the line is still very wearable. They want women to be able to experiment with their look, without being put off.

“It’s modern but I wouldn’t call it avant-garde. I think that people, they get scared when silhouettes become incredibly weird or something that they haven’t seen and they’re worried about how they’re going to wear it, how it’s going to fit into their wardrobe and what they can pair it with.”

Evan & Dean first showcased at L’Oréal Fashion Week in March of 2008 with their Fall collection.

“We didn’t recognize how large-scale it was going to be and how many people show up to the events. It was just great to be paired with all the other Canadian designers that are quite prominent in the fashion industry,” says Boutet.

He says the exposure they received from fashion week was huge and they are looking forward to returning with their Spring collection.

“It’s looking at developing the name brand, making more people aware of it. We’re certainly having a huge response to the invitations that we sent out gauging from last season to this season, and would love to get a few Toronto retailers on board.”

By Sheri Block, CTV.ca