Meet the Makers: Hendrixroe

Label: HENDRIXROE

Designer Name(s): Jordan Erin McKay

Hometown: Regina, Saskatchewan

Zodiac sign: Libra

Year you created your label: 2014

Describe your label in three words

HENDRIX – MONROE – CHIC

What made you first want to be a designer?

I have always been obsessed with fashion I love that it gives a voice to individuals without having to say a single word. It’s magical.

When you decided to become designer, what is one thing you had no idea you’d have to do?

How many hats I would have to wear. I’m not just a designer and HENDRIXROE isn’t just a brand. People are drawn to the whole scope, the lifestyle behind the brand. So designers aren’t just drawing and working on collections all day. That’s the fun stuff but there’s a whole business side of the brand — the tough side — but it’s equally as important.

If you could have anyone in the world wear your collection, who would it be?

Jimi Hendrix obviously. But here on earth today it’s a toss up between Lenny Kravitz or Keith Richards, baby. I am just obsessed with him.

What is one place or location that inspires you?

Shanghai. It’s become a second home to me.

What would you consider the highlight of your career so far?

Designing for Max Kerman of The Arkells for their sold-out stadium concert in Hamilton. I stood there watching him come out and every outfit was my design, one after the other. I couldn’t move or speak, I was in complete shock. I still don’t think it’s set in. It seems like a dream and I wish I could go back and watch the concert all over again. Max is also one of the kindest most down to earth humans that I literally forgot how rockstar he was until he walked out onto the stage and the whole stadium went crazy! I was like “wait a minute he was just at my studio, how did I forget he is this massive.”

What are you most looking forward to about Toronto Fashion Week in collaboration with RE\SET?

Seeing everyone behind the scenes, because they become your family. Putting on a show is always scary for me. Each piece is like a child that you’ve raised and then have to set free on the runway and you’re hoping that the world will love them as much as you do. Everyone behind the scenes is there for that emotional 15 minutes and truly has your back, so you really bond quickly with them. They become your fashion family. So THANK YOU to all the employees and volunteers. You are the true unsung heroes of fashion week and you make my dreams a tangible reality.

HENDRIXROE is showing at 10:00pm on September 5th, 2018 at Yorkville Village (136 Yorkville Avenue).