Meet the Makers: Rosa Halpern of Namesake
Label: Namesake
Designer Name(s): Rosa Halpern
Hometown: Toronto
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Year you created your label: 2015
Describe your label in three words
Empowering, enduring, inclusive
What made you first want to be a designer?
I learnt to sew at age 10 because I couldn’t find clothes I liked that fit me… After going to art school with an open mind to many disciplines of art I came back to fashion design as it an art form that is as creative as it is functional.
When you decided to become designer, what is one thing you had no idea you’d have to do?
I have always loved the design and construction elements of fashion, but don’t think I quite understood how many other hats were involved in running a business; budgets, financial sheets, etc. Boring – but necessary!
If you could have anyone in the world wear your collection, who would it be?
There are many women I look up to for different reasons and I don’t think there is ONE woman who encompasses the sum total of my brand; Michèle Lamy because she’s a total badass, Michelle Obama because of her grace, Serena Williams for her strength, and Beyoncé because… Beyoncé!
What is one place or location that inspires you?
Toronto is an inspiring place to be a designer because of its extraordinary diversity of ethnicities, landscapes, and its comfortable fusion of cultures.
What would you consider the highlight of your career so far?
Growing up watching Sex and The City, designing a custom jacket for Sarah Jessica Parker was a teenage fantasy come true!
What are you most looking forward to about Toronto Fashion Week in collaboration with RE\SETTM?
This year, we have done something entirely different for our collection – something totally outside of my comfort zone. I am excited to be in a place that makes my slightly uncomfortable as I think that’s the only way to grow. Can’t wait to share it with the world!
Namesake is showing at 6:30pm on September 4th, 2018 at LUMAS Gallery (159 Yorkville Avenue).
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